Developed by Togolese software engineer Sam Kodo, FarmBot is the first ground-level autonomous data collection robot to be used in Africa, revolutionising precision farming. This cutting-edge technology empowers farmers with real-time insights to enhance agricultural productivity.
Sam’s story
From a young age, Sam was fascinated by robots. Growing up in Togo, inspired by a book and a movie. he built his first robot at just 10 years old.
Years later, a farmer friend approached him with a pressing issue: pests were destroying his crops, cutting into his revenue, and making it harder to sustain his business. Determined to find a solution, Sam first attempted to collect data manually but soon realised the information was unreliable. This lack of access to precise, real-time data, lead to excessive pesticide use, unnecessary costs, and environmental harm.
The innovation
FarmBot was developed to tackle the challenge of collecting data about farming conditions, using an autonomous robot equipped with advanced sensors and cameras. FarmBot operates at ground level, unlike a drone’s birds-eye view, directly interacting with crops and soil for more precise data collection.
The robot navigates farms autonomously using GPS, requiring only a simple waypoint set by the operator. As it moves, its AI-powered camera maps the farm and collects accurate data on soil moisture, plant health, and pest activity. This data is then processed and sent to farmers via SMS or WhatsApp, ensuring real-time insights for better decision-making.
FarmBot runs on a three-hour lifespan battery, but the team is working on integrating solar panels in the next model to extend this. The robot uses an internal computer to store data, eliminating the need for a Wi-Fi connection.
To make the technology accessible, FarmBot is offered through a rental model, with a standard plan at US$6 per month and a premium service at US$10, providing more detailed analytics. Since launching in 2023, the team has successfully worked with 11 smallholder farmers, marking a significant milestone.
Looking ahead, the goal is to build 50 more robots over the next three years, widening their deployment. Expansion into rural areas and neighbouring countries is planned, ensuring more farmers benefit from this groundbreaking technology.
Making a difference
By providing highly accurate, real-time data, FarmBot is helping farmers apply resources precisely where and when they are needed, boosting yields, reducing costs, and minimising environmental impact. It can also make a significant difference to enhancing food security by helping farmers predict pest outbreaks, identify problem areas, and take targeted action. This can reduce unnecessary pesticide use and preserving both crops and soil health.
Behind this innovation is a dedicated team. Sam, the founder, leads development, while Yannick, an electrical engineer and cofounder, oversees hardware and systems. With a team of six full-time members and part-time student contributors, they are working together to reshape agriculture across the continent.
With accurate farm data, Farmers could apply resources precisely where needed, saving costs and reducing waste. Our robot’s advanced sensor payload acts as a mobile lab, offering insights that drones or static systems simply can’t provide. The Africa Prize will allow me to scale my business to reach other people who are living in rural areas.
