06/30/2026
So happy to see research in chemical pesticides alternatives is on the rise. The technology behind TRIC Robotics’ autonomous UV-C robots originated from long-standing USDA agricultural research into using ultraviolet light as a non-chemical method to control plant pathogens and pests, particularly on strawberries. In the early 2010s, USDA scientists (including Drs. Janisiewicz and Takeda) explored UV applications for diseases like gray mold and powdery mildew. The idea was advanced into robotics by Adam Stager during his PhD work at the University of Delaware, where he connected with these researchers; he founded TRIC Robotics around 2017–2021. Key milestones include the first robotic prototype tested in 2019 on a Delaware strawberry farm, upgraded field trials in California in 2020, commercial pilots starting in 2021, and rapid scaling after a $5.5 million seed round in 2025—now treating over 1,500 acres nightly.
These tractor-sized autonomous “Luna” robots drive through fields at night, using arrays of UV-C lights that damage the DNA of pathogens (such as mildew and mold) and certain pests (like mite eggs), preventing them from reproducing. They are also equipped with powerful bug vacuums to physically remove insects. Nighttime operation is critical, as it avoids damaging plant foliage while delivering targeted, chemical-free control—reducing reliance on traditional pesticides by 40% or more in treated fields. The system operates as a service, with no upfront cost to farmers.
