Muddy machines announced that it has successfully acquired the majority of Fox Robotics’ key assets and intellectual property, including its agricultural logistics robots. This strategic acquisition positions Muddy Machines as the go-to provider of robotic vehicles for use on farms, diversifies the product portfolio and allows the company to offer a broader range of solutions to producers.
“We are excited to bring Fox Robotics’ innovative vehicle to our lineup,” said Chris Chavasse, CEO of Muddy Machines. “Their technology perfectly aligns with our mission to solve labor challenges in the horticulture industry with electric robots that perform labor-intensive field work and increase productivity workers.”
As part of the acquisition, Muddy Machines will rebrand Fox Robotics’ logistics robotics platform to Squirrel. By diversifying our product portfolio, we can better meet the needs of producers. Squirrel complements our existing solutions by providing farmers with an efficient way to transport goods, supporting different parts of their workforce and operations.
With this development, Muddy Machines is entering a pivotal stage in its growth and is currently raising funds to accelerate the market launch of its products. We are accepting applications from investors interested in supporting advancements in agricultural robotics.
About Sprout and the Squirrel
Sprout, Muddy Machines’ existing robot, is a precision agriculture platform for field-grown specialty crops. Its initial tool, a selective green asparagus harvester, was successfully tested earlier this year. With partnerships in place, Muddy Machines is developing additional tools for precision weeding, planting and spraying. This versatility paves the way for true precision agriculture and the cultivation of high-value field vegetables.
Squirrel expands Muddy Machines’ reach into the berry and fruit sector. Capable of operating outdoors and in tunnels, Squirrel meets the unique challenges of growing berries and fruit. Initially serving as a self-contained transporter for heavy loads between workers, it increases worker productivity and fills critical labor shortages in seasonal horticulture.
“By combining the strengths of Sprout and Squirrel, we offer a comprehensive suite of electric robotic solutions that directly address the workforce challenges facing the horticulture industry,” added Chavasse. “Our robots are designed to help farmworkers by performing labor-intensive tasks, making their work easier and more efficient.”
Meeting economic challenges
Recent increases in the minimum wage and National Insurance contributions in the UK have placed additional financial pressures on producers, reducing profit margins and making it more difficult to maintain traditional farming practices. By offering advanced robotic solutions such as Sprout and Squirrel, Muddy Machines aims to alleviate this pressure, providing growers with efficient, cost-effective tools that support farmworkers.
“Our diverse product line will give farmers new tools to maintain productivity and profitability in the face of economic challenges,” said Chavasse. “We are committed to supporting the agricultural community with technology that solves its biggest challenge, labor availability. »
The integration of these assets will accelerate the development of our existing projects and expand our offerings to better serve our customers. With the addition of Squirrel, Muddy Machines is now better equipped than ever to lead the way in agricultural robotics, providing the electric robots needed for the future of agriculture.