Agriplanter
The Agriplanter automates the transplanting of plug-grown vegetable seedlings in open fields with high-speed, consistent accuracy, replacing manual planting labour.
SwarmBot by Swarmfarm Robotics
Swarmfarm Robotics
- Date of creation : 15/06/2009
- Sales contact : Alec Duffy (alec.duffy@swarmfarm.com)
- Website : http://www.swarmfarm.com/
Australia
SwarmFarm Robotics develops autonomous farming systems based on small, modular robotic platforms. The company works with farmers to adapt these platforms to specific field operations, including precision crop protection, mowing and slashing. Its approach is to create new farming systems around autonomous machines rather than simply automate existing tractor-based equipment.
SwarmBot by Swarmfarm Robotics
Types of crops
Cereals
Fruits
Tree Fruits
Vegetables
Vine & Grapes
Crop Phases
Technology Overview
- Latest revision : 7/24/2026
- Commercial release date : 2014
- Application : Autonomous, modular platform that can be fitted with different implements, including for the precision application of crop protection products, as well as mowing and slashing.
Commercialisation Overview
- Technology Readiness Level (TRL) : 10: Market introduction - Full commercial operation
- Units in Service - Global : 201 to 300
- Business model : Direct sales
- Price :
- Ongoing Costs : $12.5k ongoing (software updates, software subscription, GPS)
Market Coverage, Distributors and Service Suppliers
- Countries or markets addressed :
Australia
Performance & Economic Impact
- Estimated ROI :
Varies, depending on the crop and the different field operations available. Customers typically report a full ROI between 2 and 5 years.
- Phytosanitary Product Savings :
It depends on the application. Reduced soil compaction from lighter machines, reduced chemical and fertiliser from more efficient timely application, increased efficient resource management.
- Yield Improvement :
Varies depending on the crop and application
Technical specifications
- Type of solution : Automated transplanters and seeders, Smart/Precision Sprayer Technologies
- Power source : Fuel
- Required Tractor Power : N/A
- Size :
- Metric: 4 m length, width 1.7–4 m depending on config
- Imperial: 13.1 ft length, width 5.6–13.1 ft depending on config
- Net weight : 2,500 kg | 5,512 lbs
- Min Farm Size (In hectares) : 100 ha | 247 acres
- Productivity : 10 km/h speed, 240 km/day | 6.21 mph speed, 149.13 miles/day
- Maximum operating speed : 10 km/hr | 6 mph
- Wheel spacing : Fixed – 3.0 m | 9.8 ft
- Horse power : 86 HP
Functionalities and technologies
- Core Functionality : Built by farmers for farmers, the concept was developed on co-founders Andrew and Jocie Bate’s family farm in response to real-world challenges. The SwarmBot 5 is an autonomous, modular platform that can operate with different agricultural implements. Its confirmed applications include precision crop protection through individual weed treatment, as well as mowing and slashing on turf farms and between orchard rows. Several units can also operate cooperatively as a swarm, enabling multiple robots to work across the farm. Initially focused on broad acre farming, the technology is now expanding into horticulture, working with leading Australian companies to improve efficiency and productivity.
- Software : Equipped with vision detection cameras, LiDAR, GPS, and both cellular and satellite connectivity. Features include four emergency stop buttons and a collision bumper for enhanced safety.
- Connectivity : The machine is fully autonomous and can operate via cellular (4G/5G) or satellite connectivity. Once mapped, it does not require ongoing connectivity, and no base station is needed. GPS is integrated directly into the unit.
- Compatible Tools : SwarmConnect is an open-platform design with integration capabilities for a wide range of tools, including slashers/mowers, sprayers, and seeders.
Development Roadmap
- Next phase : SwarmFarm are extending with more Integrations with new partners in orchards, with new weeding technology and air blast sprayers.
Additional resources
SwarmBot by Swarmfarm
Here are some robots that might interest you
Amiga Max
Autcompact, self-propelled autonomous tool-carrying platform designed for multiple agricultural applicationsARA
The ARA robot enables ultra-precise spot spraying of herbicides, applying micro-doses only on detected weeds to drastically reduce chemical use while protecting crops.Ferrari FUTURA
The Ferrari FUTURA automates seedling tray handling with precision and speed for high-efficiency transplanting.Grande 15
The Burro Verde autonomously moves trolleys and trailers through greenhouses and field sites, hands-free.High density automatic transplanter
The TTS Transplanter delivers high-density, consistent transplanting with minimal workforce, cutting operating costs.Kilter AX-1
The Kilter AX-1 kills post-emergence weeds reliably, slashing herbicide use by up to 95%.PlantTape Transplanter
The PlantTape Transplanter replaces large planting crews with two operators, dramatically boosting speed and consistency.Roboweeder
AI-powered tractor-mounted system for specialty crops that identifies plants and weeds to selectively weed, thin and spray, reducing manual labor and chemical use.RXF900
Weed control, powered by AI that detects monocots, dicots, volunteer potatoes, and crop plants, while distinguishing treated from untreated areas.SharpShooter™
The SharpShooter applies crop protection only where needed with plant-level precision, eliminating waste and labour.Spot Spray-ING
The SpotSprayer applies crop protection only where weeds are present, cutting costs and eliminating runoff.Stout Smart Cultivator
The Stout Smart Cultivator automates mechanical cultivation between crop rows, replacing manual weed control labour.
