U of G Engineer Joins Panel at Inaugural Canadian AgRobotics and AI Summit

Haggerty AgRobotics President Chuck Baresich led the insightful conversation that also included Dr. Lynn Sosnoskie, professor at Cornell University and Dr. Dan Brainard, professor at Michigan State University. Local farmers also shared their experiences with using robotics on the farm.

Jim Beretta, host of The Robot Industry Podcast, provided an update on the global robotics industry, noting that while adoption is accelerating, Canada still has significant opportunities for growth in the ag-robotics space. 

Participants also heard candid stories from entrepreneurs about what it takes to build a robotic start-up, including challenges, pivots and what they need from the industry to succeed. 

University, government and industry work together to solve on-farm tech challenges

U of G researchers are working with industry partners to test emerging ag‑robotics technologies in real farm conditions. Dr. Mary Ruth McDonald is collaborating with robotics companies to trial self‑driving weed‑cutting robots in active production fields, helping bridge the gap between research and on‑farm application.

Through industry‑academic partnerships, Dr. Josh Nasielski is supporting companies as they test and de‑risk new ag‑tech tools on commercial farms, accelerating innovation while ensuring technologies are practical for growers.

U of G researchers and industry partners are supported in this work through the Ontario Agri‑Food Innovation Alliance, a collaboration between the Government of Ontario and the University of Guelph. Alliance representatives were on site at the AgRobotics and AI Summit to connect companies with U of G research expertise and Ontario’s network of agri‑food research centres. Owned by Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO), these research centres are where emerging technologies can be tested, validated and refined in controlled farm settings.

Supporting the growing Canadian ag-robotics ecosystem

The conversation continued with a panel on ecosystem support, moderated by Nevin McDougall, chair of ARIO, and featuring speakers who shared how they’re supporting companies and innovators with research and resources, as well as what they’re looking for in new proposals.

A recurring theme throughout the day was the need to better support early‑stage ag‑robotics companies in Canada. While the sector benefits from strong technical talent and ambitious founders, participants emphasized that access to early capital and on‑farm validation remains critical to helping promising technologies scale.

The day concluded with an innovation showcase pitch competition featuring six emerging robotics and AI companies, complementing the ag‑robotic demonstrations available throughout the venue.

With nearly 200 founders, farmers, researchers, investors and partners in attendance, the summit achieved its goal of bringing the ag‑robotics ecosystem together.

To stay up to date and help shape the future of ag‑robotics in Canada, visit the AgRobotics Working Group at www.agroboticswg.com and join the conversation.