21/06/2026
Strawberries are among the most popular fruits in the United States, but they also require large amounts of pesticides to protect them from pests and diseases. A California-based company called TRIC Robotics is working to change that by using advanced robots and ultraviolet light instead of relying heavily on chemical sprays.
Founded in San Luis Obispo, California, TRIC Robotics has developed autonomous, tractor-sized robots that move through strawberry fields at night. Rather than spraying pesticides, these machines use UV-C light, a powerful form of ultraviolet light, to kill harmful bacteria and reduce pest populations. Because UV-C light can damage microorganisms, it offers farmers a way to protect crops while reducing chemical use.
The robots are capable of covering up to 100 acres of farmland. They are also equipped with specialized vacuum systems that remove pest residue without harming the plants. Operating during the night allows the technology to work efficiently while minimizing disruption to farm operations.
Instead of selling the robots directly to farmers, TRIC Robotics provides its technology as a service. The company sends its machines to farms, where they perform crop protection tasks much like traditional pest-control contractors. This approach fits naturally into existing farming practices because many growers already hire outside companies to manage pest and disease control.
According to company leaders, this service model was developed after extensive discussions with farmers. Growers were already accustomed to paying for crop protection services, so replacing chemical spraying with robotic UV treatment became a practical and familiar solution.
Interestingly, agriculture was not the company's original focus. Founder Adam Stager launched TRIC Robotics in 2017 after completing a PhD in robotics. Initially, the company worked on developing 3D-printed robots for SWAT teams and law enforcement applications. A few years later, Stager decided to pursue a field where he believed technology could make a broader impact on people's lives.
That decision led him to agriculture. Seeking meaningful applications for robotics, he contacted the United States Department of Agriculture to explore technologies that could be brought out of research laboratories and into real-world use. Through a USDA program that connects entrepreneurs with scientists, he discovered UV-light-based agricultural research that eventually became the foundation of TRIC Robotics.
Today, the company is demonstrating how robotics and renewable technologies can help modern farming become more sustainable. By replacing some chemical treatments with autonomous UV-light robots, TRIC Robotics aims to reduce pesticide use, improve crop protection, and provide farmers with a cleaner and more environmentally friendly way to grow one of America's favorite fruits.
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