Bear Flag Robotics

Bear Flag Robotics builds autonomous tractors by retrofitting existing tractors with its patented AI technology. These tractors can work fields 24/7 using sensors comparable to those found on self-driving cars: LiDAR, radar, and 360° situational awareness. Bear Flag’s software plans and executes field routes, automating tasks such as mowing, spraying, and tilling. Its path generator adapts to field boundaries (e.g., waterways) and obstacles (e.g., power lines), and optimizes paths for either fuel-efficiency or time-to-completion. Meanwhile, sensors collect data on tractor health and productivity, crop health, and soil conditions, immediately relaying any issues to the remote operator. Operators can also download analytics reports after the work on each field is complete.

Farmers don’t have to buy or lease brand-new tractors from Bear Flag to realize the benefits of automation. Instead, the company’s solution is offered through a hardware-as-a-service (HaaS) or farming-as-a-service (FaaS) pricing model. The company only charges for the work that is done—a straightforward price-per-acre. The solution and the business model have been so successful that, in 2021—as a four-year-old startup—Bear Flag was acquired by John Deere for $250 million.