4AG Robotics: A Sustainable Solution for Farms Worldwide

Based in the serene town of Salmon Arm, British Columbia (B.C.), 4AG Robotics is revolutionizing the agriculture industry with cutting-edge robotic technology designed to address  the labour-intensive nature of farming. Focused on automating the mushroom picking process, 4AG Robotics has made significant strides in the agritech world, earning both recognition and a global customer base in the process.

Since switching their focus entirely to robots harvesting mushrooms in 2020, the company has steadily grown to a team of approximately 70 employees, all from Salmon Arm. While its headquarters may be in a small town, with a population of approximately 19,000, the company’s reach is anything but. 4AG Robotics has sold robots to some of the largest mushroom farms worldwide, including those in Ireland, the Netherlands, the US, Australia and Canada. By providing a solution to the labour-intensive task of mushroom picking, 4AG is helping farms worldwide scale their operations while simultaneously contributing to sustainability.

A Milestone Year: 2024’s Commercial Success

One of the most significant milestones for 4AG Robotics came in early 2024, when the company successfully completed the first-ever commercial deployment of its mushroom-picking robots. This achievement marked a major turning point for the company, as its technology transitioned from the prototype stage to real-world applications. Since then, the company has secured over $8 million in sales, signaling that its products are ready for global expansion.

As 4AG Robotics looks toward the future, its goal is clear: to evolve from a promising startup into a global category leader in agricultural robotics. The company aims to accomplish this in 2025 by moving beyond pilot orders and landing major expansion contracts that will outfit entire farms with its technology.

Strategic Partnerships and Local Support

Local partners and investors have contributed to 4AG Robotics’ success. The company relies heavily on the expertise of local firms in Salmon Arm, including Access Precision Manufacturing, ADAM Integrated and Idea64, all of which contribute to the production and refinement of the company’s robotics systems. These partnerships have been essential in helping 4AG refine its robots and ensure that they meet the rigorous demands of commercial environments.

Furthermore, 4AG Robotics has benefited from strategic financial backing. The company has secured investment from a consortium of investors, including InBC Investment Corp, BDC, Emmertch, Stray Dog Capital and the Jim Richardson Family Office. These investments have provided the financial resources necessary for scaling operations and expanding the company’s global reach.

The Role of Trade and Investment British Columbia

In addition to local partnerships and investor support, the team at Trade and Investment British Columbia (TIBC) has played an invaluable role in helping 4AG Robotics expand its international footprint. For example, TIBC organized a B.C. trade mission to GreenTech Amsterdam in 2024 where 4AG Robotics exhibited as part of the B.C. Booth. As a result, they received significant interest and closed one deal with an international customer. TIBC has been instrumental in shaping the company’s market entry strategy, particularly in Europe, and has been a key partner in driving international sales efforts. This support has been vital in positioning 4AG as an emerging global leader in agricultural robotics.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

While 4AG Robotics has enjoyed a string of successes, the road to commercialization has not been without its challenges. One of the key lessons learned along the way is the difficulty of building products that work seamlessly in real-world environments.

“Building robots that work with significant support is one thing, but creating systems that function in truly commercial environments, where they’re operated by the customer, is a whole other challenge,” says Sean O’Connor, CEO of 4AG Robotics.

This experience has helped the company refine its product and better understand the needs of its customers.

A Commitment to Sustainability

Beyond business success, 4AG Robotics is also driven by a commitment to sustainability. As the company continues to scale, it aims to reduce the carbon footprint of food production. In 2024, 4AG Robotics was named one of Foresight 50’s most investible Canadian cleantech companies, a recognition that highlights the company’s potential to contribute to a more sustainable future. The company is particularly proud that its robots will help the agriculture industry reduce the amount of CO2 emitted per kilogram of food produced.

Quick fact:

• The global food and agriculture sector accounts for approximately 21 – 37 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, 70 percent of freshwater use and almost half of the world’s habitable land, making food and agriculture a critical sector for agritech companies to engage in climate change, conservation, biodiversity and clean technology.

Looking Ahead

As 4AG Robotics looks ahead to 2025, it is on track to transition from an innovative robotics startup to a dominant force in the agricultural sector. The company’s growth trajectory, supported by strategic partnerships, a robust team and a clear vision for the future, positions it to make a lasting impact on the industry.

The road ahead is filled with opportunity, and 4AG Robotics is ready to continue leading the charge toward a more efficient, sustainable and technologically advanced agricultural sector. With its eyes set on the future, the company is poised to become a key player in the global agritech revolution.

Quick agritech facts:

• There are over 150 agritech companies in B.C.
• In 2019, B.C.’s agritech sector generated $500 million in revenue.
• Employment in the agri-food technology industry has grown at a faster rate than other “traditional” areas of the economy over the last 10 years.

Contact Trade and Invest BC to learn more about the advantages and business opportunities in B.C.’s agritech sector.