Bear Flag Robotics
Bear Flag Robotics, acquired by John Deere in 2021, specializes in retrofitting existing tractors with AI technology to enhance productivity and operational efficiency in agriculture.
Company Overview
Bear Flag Robotics is a company that retrofits existing tractors with patented AI technology to enhance farm productivity. Founded in 2017 and based in Newark, CA, the company operates in the Industrials and Agriculture industries and is part of Y Combinator's W18 batch. As of August 2021, Bear Flag Robotics was acquired by John Deere for $250 million.
Services
Bear Flag Robotics offers several services aimed at increasing farm productivity and efficiency. Their technology allows for a single operator to remotely control an entire fleet of tractors, providing real-time information on tractor operations and 360º live video feeds. The technology is customizable to work with various types of field implements and employs a robust path generator to adapt to unique field boundaries. The company’s autonomous tractors can operate 24/7 with minimal supervision, addressing labor shortages and removing workers from hazardous conditions.
Technology and Capabilities
Bear Flag Robotics focuses on developing autonomous driving technology for farm tractors. The company equips tractors and implements with AI technology for automation and optimization of common tasks. Their technology helps to address farm labor shortages by reducing the need for human tractor operators while providing growers with actionable insights through advanced analytics. This technology also ensures the tractors can function effectively with various field implements and adapt to different field boundaries to optimize farming paths.
Acquisition by John Deere
In August 2021, Bear Flag Robotics was acquired by John Deere for $250 million. Prior to the acquisition, the company participated in John Deere's Startup Collaborator program aimed at enhancing tillage with autonomous tractors. Bear Flag Robotics’ integration with John Deere is set to further develop autonomous and AI technologies within the agricultural sector, ultimately increasing farm productivity and operational efficiency.