How TRIC Robotics is reducing pesticide use on strawberries using UV light

Strawberries reign as the most beloved berry in the United States, cherished by consumers and farmers alike. However, they are also among the most pesticide-dependent fruits, frequently topping the Environmental Working Group’s list of produce most contaminated with chemicals. Enter TRIC Robotics, a startup based in San Luis Obispo, California, which is pioneering a solution to this issue using ultraviolet (UV) light and cutting-edge robotics. TRIC Robotics has developed a fleet of tractor-sized autonomous robots that utilize UV-C light—a type of ultraviolet light that the earth's atmosphere largely blocks—to eliminate bacteria and reduce pest populations. These innovative machines are capable of treating up to 100 acres and are equipped with vacuums designed to collect pest residues without damaging the crops. Instead of selling the robots directly to farmers, TRIC operates them as a service during nighttime hours. This unique approach, as explained by co-founder and CEO Adam Stager, was chosen to gain traction quickly within the agricultural sector. "We collaborated closely with farmers to determine the optimal way to introduce the technology and identify the most suitable business model," said Stager. He noted that many farmers traditionally pay for pest control services, which TRIC aims to replace with its robotic solution. Interestingly, the trajectory of TRIC Robotics has evolved significantly since its inception. Founded in 2017 after Stager completed his PhD in robotics, the company initially concentrated on creating 3D printed robots for SWAT teams. By 2020, however, Stager recognized a greater potential for impact in agriculture and shifted the company’s focus. "I wanted to ensure that if I were to pass away tomorrow, I could look back and feel fulfilled by my contributions," Stager reflected on his decision to pivot. His exploration into agriculture revealed a sector ripe for innovation, affecting countless lives. To further this mission, he reached out to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for potential technology collaborations, discovering the UV light technology that would become integral to TRIC’s robotics. With support from the USDA, Stager and co-founder Vishnu Somasundaram embarked on a journey that included deploying their robots on a small piece of farmland in 2021, marking the company’s official launch. They traveled across the country for eight months, gathering invaluable data from their robotic applications in real-world farming scenarios. Today, TRIC Robotics has established partnerships with four major strawberry producers, deploying nine robots with three more on the way. Recently, the company secured a $5.5 million seed funding round led by Version One Ventures, with contributions from other investors including Garage Capital and Lucas Venture Group. This funding will enable TRIC to expand its fleet of autonomous robots and eventually branch out into other crop types. Stager remains optimistic about the future of agricultural technology, asserting, "There is a bright future ahead for ag-tech, and I believe exciting developments are on the horizon that will transform the industry."