A Lelystad-based startup, Odd.Bot, has recently secured €2 million in growth capital during a pre-Series A funding round aimed at advancing its innovative autonomous agricultural robots. This funding initiative was led by Iconic Ventures with additional backing from PolKa Capital Management, local farmers, private investors, and Horizon, the development agency for the Flevoland region.
The latest investment comes at a crucial moment for Odd.Bot, as it has already sold out its initial batch of 16 Maverick weeding robots for 2025, highlighting a robust interest in its offerings. Martijn Lukaart, CEO of Odd.Bot, commented, “The demand for our weeding robots confirms that we are responding to an urgent need in the agricultural sector. We have chosen to deliberately limit our production capacity for the time being in order to guarantee high quality and excellent service, together with our local partners.”
Odd.Bot, established in 2018, has developed the ‘Maverick’ robot—a sophisticated, autonomous mechanical system designed to enable in-row weeding. This technology seeks to replace both manual and chemical weeding methods, operating continuously day and night to identify and eliminate weeds in high-density, high-value crops without resorting to harmful chemicals. This approach aligns with broader agricultural goals of promoting cleaner crops, healthier soil, and preserving biodiversity.
The company emerged from a collaboration with the Technical University of Delft and RoboHouse, where a student team first demonstrated the proof principle of a weeding robot in January 2019. The initial funding for Odd.Bot was secured from the TMI Proof of Concept Fund Flevoland in May 2019. Since then, various milestones have marked its development, including a performance validation of the ‘Weed Whacker’ by Wageningen University & Research in 2021 and the introduction of the ‘Weed Whacko’ robots in 2023.
In terms of market expansion, Odd.Bot has made significant strides, currently active in multiple European markets including the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and France. This expansion showcases the increasing demand for sustainable agricultural technologies across the continent.
Lukaart remarked, “The challenges in the agricultural sector, such as labour shortages and stricter regulations on agrochemicals, have led to a growing need for innovative technologies such as our weeding robots. […] Our robots not only offer growers a sustainable alternative, but also help them meet the changing demands in the sector.”
The Maverick robot is set to launch in a price range between approximately €90,000 and €120,000, depending on its configuration. Each unit is designed to effectively weed around one hectare per day and is currently being trained to operate with specific crops such as carrots, onions, and chicory. The autonomous system utilises vision technology to navigate crop rows during weeding, eliminating the need for external navigation signals.
Additionally, Odd.Bot is looking to introduce the AI vision-controlled weeding elements as a standalone product named ‘Odd.Bot Weader’. This option allows for attachment to standard tractors, catering to farmers who wish to continue using their existing machinery.
Dirk Kronemeijer, a partner at Iconic Ventures, expressed confidence in Odd.Bot's potential, stating, “The collaboration fits seamlessly with Iconic Ventures’ strategy, which focuses on supporting entrepreneurs who create groundbreaking solutions for climate and sustainability challenges. […] Odd.Bot is a perfect example of such an innovative company, with its smart agricultural robot that replaces chemical weed control with intelligent, environmentally friendly technology.”
The investment and forthcoming release of the Maverick target the pressing challenges within the agricultural sector, including labour shortages and environmental concerns related to traditional chemical herbicides, positioning Odd.Bot as a noteworthy player in the evolution of sustainable farming practices.
Source: Noah Wire Services