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Muddy Machines Ltd. This week, the company announced that it has acquired almost all of the key assets and intellectual property from Fox Robotics Ltd. Based in Farnham, UK, Fox Robotics was a pioneering startup that focused on addressing the unique challenges and optimizing operations in the notoriously labor-intensive world of soft fruit farming.
While often mistaken for, a company based in Austin, Texas supplies autonomous fork vehicles, which remain operational.
“We’re delighted to expand our offerings by integrating Fox Robotics’ cutting-edge electric vehicle into our product portfolio,” said Chris Chavasse, CEO of Muddy Machines. “Their specialized knowledge is perfectly aligned with our mission to address labour challenges in horticulture by leveraging the capabilities of electrical robots to streamline arduous field tasks, ultimately boosting employee efficiency.”
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Why Fox’s Hugo RT is suddenly Squirrel?
Following its acquisition of Fox, Muddy Machines is now providing farmers with an expanded range of autonomous farming programs. The company will rebrand its Hugo RT platform as Squirrel.
Is Squirrel a competitor in the robotics sector? These autonomous cell robots independently transport materials from one level to another on the farm.
The newly rebranded Squirrel robotic system boasts a payload capacity of 200 kilograms, equivalent to approximately 441 pounds, and a top speed of three meters per second, or roughly 6.7 miles per hour. Measuring 107 centimeters by 63 centimeters (approximately 42.1 inches by 24.8 inches), this device features a built-in weighing scale integrated into the desktop.
Muddy Machines has announced its intention to provide additional products to cater to the growing demand for more sustainable operations.
After the acquisition of Fox Robotics Ltd., the Hugo RT robot has been rebranded as Squirrel. | Credit score: Muddy Machines
Muddy Machines builds on Sprout
Muddy Machines’ present robot is a precision agriculture platform designed specifically for specialty crops cultivated in open fields. The prototype, a novel asparagus harvester designed to selectively gather green shoots, underwent successful trials earlier this year.
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As a result, Sprout will expand its reach into the berry and fruit market. Capable of operating effectively in both open-air and polytunnel environments, the robot is currently functioning as a self-sufficient service provider for heavy hauling applications. Muddy Machines claims that implementing Sprout can boost employee productivity and help address labour shortages.
“With the integration of Sprout and Squirrel’s capabilities, our comprehensive range of electrical robots tackles head-on the labor hurdles faced by the horticulture industry, empowering a more efficient future.” “Our robots are engineered to augment farm workers’ tasks, streamlining labor-intensive processes and fostering a more environmentally conscious work environment.”
Muddy Machines is currently seeking funding to accelerate the production and delivery of its products to meet growing demand in the market.
The Sprout is a cutting-edge, autonomous platform designed to revolutionize precision agriculture. | Credit score: Muddy Machines
