Rogo

Rogo is developing autonomous robots to collect more accurate soil samples so farmers can make better decisions about their soil fertility application. Rogo has created SmartCore, an autonomous robot that is designed to collect accurate, repeatable soil samples in fields and return the samples directly to the operator, to be shipped off to the lab for analysis. The technology is provided as a service and makes soil sampling 20% more accurate, costs similar to market rates, and helps farmers and retailers get soil sampling right. SmartCore uses a Bobcat skid steer chassis and navigates the fields using boundary algorithms and Lidar sensors, which send out laser light beams to detect objects. The operator only needs to identify trouble spots, such as ditches. The autonomous robot collects samples through a hydraulic auger bit, which is configured so that no soil escapes the core, guaranteeing accuracy, purity and depth control.