The future of autonomous tractors

Welcome to Episode 50 of The Robot Report Podcast, which brings conversations with robotics innovators straight to you. Join us each week for discussions with leading roboticists, innovative robotics companies, and other key members of the robotics community.

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This week we’re joined by Dan Leibfried, Director, Autonomy and Automation, John Deere, and Igino Cafiero, Co-founder & CEO, Bear Flag Robotics. Of course, John Deere last week purchased Bear Flag robotics for $250 million. Founded in 2017, Bear Flag Robotics retrofits its autonomy stack onto existing tractors. Leibfried and Cafiero discuss what this partnership means going forward for the future of autonomous tractors and agricultural robotics.

Mike also updates us on his trip to ATX West, we dive into our latest investments recap and we celebrate our 50th episode! Stay tuned for a playlist dropping early next week of our favorite episodes thus far.

If you would like to be a guest on an upcoming episode of the podcast, or if you have recommendations for future guests or segment ideas, contact me or Mike Oitzman. For sponsorship opportunities of The Robot Report Podcast, contact Courtney Nagle for more information.

Bear Flag Robotics acquired by John Deere

A John Deere tractor retrofitted with Bear Flag Robotics’ autonomous driving stack. | Photo Credit: John Deere

mike oitzman headshot.
Written by

Mike Oitzman

Mike Oitzman is Senior Editor of WTWH's Robotics Group, cohost of The Robot Report Podcast, and founder of the Mobile Robot Guide. Oitzman is a robotics industry veteran with 25-plus years of experience at various high-tech companies in the roles of marketing, sales and product management. He can be reached at moitzman@wtwhmedia.com.