Innovation driven from the paddock up
SwarmFarm’s autonomous robots do more than replace tractors. Built and tested on farms, they are designed to improve soil health, reduce chemical use and give farmers something invaluable - time.
Unlike traditional high-cost, complex machinery, the robots are deliberately kept simple.
“People think robotics is complicated,” Bate said. “Our machines are a third as complex as a traditional tractor, so farmers can fix them themselves.”
Operating 24/7, the robots use computer vision to detect and treat individual weeds, slashing pesticide use and helping farmers save money and manage labour shortages.
“No one’s ever bought a robot and fired someone,” Bate said. “Farmers already don’t have enough labour. Robots help get jobs done on time and give farmers more time with their families.”
Rooted in regional Australia
SwarmFarm’s success is inseparable from its regional base.
“We’re not an agtech company in a capital city that visits farms,” Bate said. “We live on a farm. Our technology is developed on farm. That’s been our secret sauce.”
By hiring software and mechatronics engineers in rural towns, SwarmFarm is creating high-skilled jobs and keeping investment in regional Australia.
“If we’re going to have smart industries, we need to keep intellectual property and capability here,” Bate said. “We can build the best agricultural robotics company in the world from regional Australia and take that technology global.”
A vision for the future
“Australia is at the forefront of agriculture technology, and SwarmFarm shows what’s possible when innovation begins on the farm,” said CBA Executive General Manager for Regional and Agribusiness Banking, Kylie Allen.
“They’ve developed technology that responds to on-farm challenges, boosting productivity and supporting more sustainable practices.
“It’s this kind of forward-thinking that is shaping the future of farming, and we’re proud to support the people and businesses driving change across regional Australia.”
SwarmFarm’s ingenuity reflects the spirit of National Agriculture Day, held on 21 November this year to celebrate the people and communities powering our food and fibre industries. This year’s theme, Stand with the Land, invites Australians to recognise the strength, resilience and innovation of our farmers and rural communities.
