The Estonian University of Life Sciences and Baltic Agro Machinery introduce Estonia’s first autonomous AGX Field Robot

The robot's arrival in Tartu, made possible through the joint efforts of the Estonian University of Life Sciences and Baltic Agro Machinery, aims to showcase the potential of next-generation AgBot technology and enhance the efficiency of precision agriculture. Labor shortages in modern agriculture could be significantly alleviated by robots—especially those capable of harvesting berries, fruits, and vegetables or performing weeding tasks.

Toomas Tõrra, head of the university’s Rõhu Experimental Station, emphasized the significance of this milestone: “I have been exploring the use of field robots in experimental plots and agriculture for many years and have planned their implementation. Until now, the challenge has been that most of the information available online concerns either prototypes still in testing or products not available for purchase. For universities, one of the biggest obstacles has also been funding—before any research can begin, a suitable project must be found and financed. The field robot that arrived this week is one of the few ready-to-use solutions available on the market with the capability to perform standard fieldwork operations.”

Tõrra added: “The purpose of using robots and drones is to evaluate how much we can reduce labor demands, increase operational efficiency, lower direct costs, and assess environmental impact. Fields often include various obstacles—such as power lines, boundary markers, isolated trees, and field islands—which means substantial preparation is needed to ensure safe and uninterrupted operation and to guarantee that both the robot and its implements return from the field intact.”

The AGX robot leverages intelligent algorithms and advanced sensors to optimize both navigation paths and task execution. This reduces input usage—such as fuel, fertilizers, and seeds—while improving productivity. The machine collects real-time data during operation, which is transmitted to a cloud-based management system, enabling farmers to gain in-depth insights into work quality and yield potential.

According to Aret Vooremäe, Director of the Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the Estonian University of Life Sciences, the arrival of the AGX robot marks an important step forward in the university’s development and academic work:
“We certainly plan to integrate the robot’s operation into our educational programs. In addition to our institute, there is already interest from the forestry and engineering departments. We also see great potential in continuing education, and in the longer term, we aim to develop a specialized micro-degree focused on robotics in precision agriculture.”

Vooremäe also noted: “The agricultural robot was procured through a national tender under the scheme ‘Investment Support for Improving the Performance of Agricultural Enterprises for Research and Development Institutions,’ in partnership with Baltic Agro Machinery. The robot allows us to keep pace with technological advancements and to teach our students the latest in agricultural and precision farming technologies. We are pleased to have found a procurement partner who shared our vision and supported our innovative ideas.”

Kristjan Nelis, Head of the Agricultural and Forestry Machinery Sales Department at Baltic Agro Machinery, stated that the arrival of the AgXeed autonomous field robot in Estonia marks a major leap in the digitalization of agriculture: “This machine enables greater operational efficiency, reduces labor costs, and promotes environmental sustainability—thanks to optimized fuel use and precision task planning. AgXeed is not just a machine but a fully autonomous tool that integrates seamlessly with existing systems and enables data-driven management. Our goal is to offer Estonian farmers a new level of reliability, intelligence, and sustainability.”

The AGX robot will have its first public demonstration on September 10, 2025, during the Corn Day at the Rõhu Experimental Garden. The event will feature the robot alongside drones and other autonomous devices, presenting integrated precision technology solutions. The AGX robot will also appear at the Estonian Ploughing Championships on September 26–27, where it will perform a demonstration plough using a Kverneland five-furrow smart reversible plough.