Founder @TRICRobotics ๐ | We're replacing chemical pesticides with UV light + autonomous robots ๐ฑ | PhD Robotics | Building robots that do physical work
We started @tricrobotics to help farmers grow healthier, more sustainable food for everyone. In just a few years, weโve gone from early pilots to a fleet of tractor-scale robots using UV light and bug vacuums on some of the largest strawberry farms in California.
We've treated tens of thousands of acres and weโre doubling our fleet every year. Every machine means less reliance on chemical pesticides, better tools for growers, and a more resilient food system for everyone.
Itโs not just about the robots. It also takes a great team. Reach out if you want to help us build the future of agriculture!
autonomous robot driving through the field at night. no chemicals. no pesticides. just UV light killing pathogens and pests while everyone sleeps. this is @tricrobotics.
this is what chemical-free pest control looks like at scale.
@jackoregankenny@ProfMJCleveland@tricrobotics Too much UV-C causes phytotoxicity, which is why we use automation to carefully apply the right amount of light for each crop. At the right dose, the treatment can also trigger induced resistance, which actually strengthens the plantโs natural defenses against pests and disease.
@jackoregankenny@ProfMJCleveland@tricrobotics Great questions! UV-C treats exposed plant surfaces, including leaves, flowers, and fruit. For insects and mites, we typically target their exposed eggs and prevent them from hatching. Pests like lygus lay eggs inside plant tissue, so we use other tools, including bug vacuums.
@MAMware@tricrobotics@MAMware we were lucky because scientist from around the world spent more than 10 years studying UV on plants before we started bringing it to the farm. There is a lot of supporting research that touch on these points. @grok can you give everyone a summary of the results?
It's amazing to see how building as a community can help accelerate growth. @reservoirfarms is one of the rare places where agtech startups can come together on real farms. DM me or @bernsteind if you want to hear more about it!
on friday @ReservoirFarms had 100 followers. @TRICRobotics had 300.
4 million views and 48 hours later, both accounts 30xโd.
turns out the world is very ready for real robots on real farms.
technology as resilience.
@ADectis@tricrobotics Thatโs right! Farmers have used giant vacuums to remove bugs from crops for decades. Building on research from the Cal Poly Strawberry Center, we redesigned them for our robots. If you look closely, the round barrels contain 3-foot-diameter fans.
@Hakagarl@dystopiangf I think it's good that you doubted it. There is a lot of fake AI generated stuff out there these days, so someone has to ask the right questions. Thanks!
@pmarca 100%. Bringing new innovation to our food systems means more resilience, healthier food, and a cleaner environment. What we're building at @tricrobotics unlocks all three and is ready for the farm right now.
@donandcecilia1@bernsteind@tricrobotics Thatโs so cool! If you'd like Iโd be happy to help introduce UV light and robotics to your students with a short kid-friendly video or quick Zoom Q&A.