Antobot scales UV-C robotics for strawberry production with 300 target deployments

British agtech startup Antobot is accelerating its commercial expansion, targeting the deployment of 300 autonomous robots in strawberry operations by next year. The company's technology uses ultraviolet-C light to disrupt the DNA of fungal pathogens like powdery mildew, preventing them from replicating without the need for traditional chemical fungicides.

Alongside reducing chemical dependency, field results show that the UV-C treatment fosters an overall healthier crop canopy, leading to measurable increases in yield. Beyond disease management, the autonomous units feature integrated scouting modules that track fruit development, size, and maturity, giving farm managers precise data for yield forecasting and supply chain planning.

Originally operating exclusively on a Robots-as-a-Service model to minimize initial financial barriers, Antobot is transitioning most customers toward direct equipment acquisition. This shift is supported by agricultural capital grants available in key European markets like the UK and Spain, which make hardware investments more viable for commercial berry growers.

The company currently operates across the UK, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Canada, scaling its presence through a newly established distributor network. European berry producers face increasing regulatory pressure regarding pesticide residue limits from major retailers, positioning chemical-free physical treatments as an attractive alternative for export-oriented farms.

Context for farmers: As autonomous UV-C systems scale up, European berry growers can leverage regional machinery grants to offset capital costs while cutting fungicide expenditures and labor hours. However, integrating field robotics requires adjusting farm workflows, from route clearance to battery management.

— agronom.work editorial team