Rooted Robotics has emerged as a key player in the automation of controlled environment agriculture (CEA), particularly in the production of microgreens and baby greens. This company is focused on creating practical tools that address the labour-intensive processes often faced by small and medium-sized growers.
The company has developed three core products: the Seeder, Washer, and Harvester, specifically designed to overcome significant inefficiencies experienced by growers. Eric Roth, Co-Founder and COO of Rooted Robotics, elaborated on their mission, stating, “We designed our Seeder, Washer, and Harvester to address the most significant inefficiencies growers encounter, such as uniform seed distribution, labor-intensive tray cleaning, and consistent harvesting.” These tools are intended to be scalable and affordable, filling critical market gaps and improving overall efficiency.
Industries engaged in CEA are increasingly turning towards automation as a solution to ongoing labour shortages and the need for enhanced productivity. Rooted Robotics responds to this trend by creating tools tailored to the unique challenges faced by smaller operations. The Seeder, for instance, assists growers in achieving consistency through uniform seed distribution, while the Washer saves both time and water by simplifying the cleaning of trays and nutrient film technique (NFT) channels. Meanwhile, the Harvester offers clean cuts that preserve the quality of the crops.
An important aspect of Rooted Robotics' approach is the incorporation of direct feedback from growers during the product development process. Roth highlighted recent upgrades made to the Seeder, including enhanced watering bars and modifications for handling a range of seed types. “These adjustments were made to accommodate a variety of crop types and ensure that growers could achieve consistent results across different varieties,” he noted.
The accessibility of automation has been a persistent challenge for many in the CEA sector, particularly regarding economic constraints. The company aims to strike a careful balance by providing valuable automation solutions without sacrificing affordability. Roth remarked, “We aim to strike a balance by offering automation that provides value through essential features, durability, and ease of use.” This focus not only enhances operational efficiency but also helps growers to reduce maintenance costs and maximise their return on investment.
Rooted Robotics is addressing the broader market trends by conceptualising custom automation solutions beyond microgreens and baby greens, incorporating automated systems for container and vertical farming. Roth encourages growers to integrate these scalable automation solutions into their operations to avoid the high costs associated with bespoke systems. “The goal is to create solutions that integrate seamlessly into farming operations, reducing the need for costly, bespoke systems,” he said.
Looking ahead, Rooted Robotics is investing in modular systems that can adapt and grow alongside farm operations. Their newly developed Linear Integrated Networked Conveyor (L.I.N.C.) technology aims to connect various machines, automating workflows and enhancing efficiency with minimal human involvement. Roth highlighted this vision, stating that the plan includes developing tools such as a tray denester and filler to create a cohesive harvesting-to-cleaning system. “This approach will help streamline processes, reduce manual effort, and enhance consistency across operations setting companies up for profitability,” he stated.
The company is also exploring opportunities in other areas of CEA, such as mushroom farming, fruiting crops, and nurseries, indicating a commitment to broadening its impact within the industry. While these projects are still in preliminary stages, the goal remains to leverage their modular automation approach to tackle challenges faced across diverse agricultural sectors.
As automation continues to reshape CEA, Rooted Robotics stands prepared to play a significant role in developing systems that meet the evolving needs of growers, aiming to foster a future where efficient, integrated farming operations are accessible to all.
Source: Noah Wire Services