Co-founded by mechatronics alum, Sam Dugan (BASc ‘22), Upside Robotics is transforming agriculture through sustainable automation. The company has invented robots that apply fertilizers precisely where crops need them and allow farmers to monitor fields and track crop health, remotely and efficiently.
This technology has captured the interest of investors, with a funding round led by Plural and collaboration from Garage Capital, Entrepreneurs First, and ClearPath Robotics, an organization also founded by mechatronics alumni.
To make their venture a success, Dugan emphasizes that robots were built in collaboration with farmers to ensure their needs were met and to build trust in robotics. Because of this approach, the companies’ robots have driven 10,000 kilometres and applied over 100,000 litres of fertilizer.
The robots drive between rows of crops and deliver nutrients directly to root zones. With this targeted approach, farmers can maintain healthier soils, reduce waste, and cut costs.
Learn more about the company and its latest funding round in $7.5 million seed funding helps Upside Robotics plant seeds for success in Waterloo News.