Key Takeaways
- Agtonomy hosted a seminar at World Ag Expo 2026 with Kubota and Treasury Wine Estates
- Discussion focused on embedding physical AI into existing farm equipment
- Automation positioned as a tool to address labor shortages, profitability pressures, and sustainability goals
- USDA projects U.S. farm production expenses to reach $477.7 billion in 2026
- Agtonomy expanded live demonstrations and showcased Kubota-enabled autonomous equipment
Agtonomy Showcases Physical AI for Specialty Crops
At World Ag Expo 2026, Agtonomy led a seminar with Kubota and Treasury Wine Estates outlining how practical automation can help growers manage rising costs, labor constraints, and sustainability targets.
Agtonomy emphasized embedding physical artificial intelligence directly into tractors and field equipment already used by growers. According to the company, integrating AI into trusted machinery allows for incremental adoption and operational continuity.
“Physical AI is about putting intelligence to work in the real world – in the field, in the orchard, and in the vineyard – where conditions change by the minute,” said Tim Bucher, CEO and co-founder of Agtonomy. “When AI can see, think, and act through machines on the farm, growers gain a 24/7 partner that helps them do more with less while improving consistency and sustainability.”
Addressing Cost Pressures and Labor Challenges
USDA data indicates that total U.S. farm production expenses are expected to reach $477.7 billion in 2026, remaining above the 20-year average. Seminar speakers identified automation as a lever for cost control, workforce upskilling, and operational efficiency.
Agtonomy described how AI-enabled tractors and implements can function as “on-farm copilots,” supporting tasks such as spraying, mowing, tillage, seeding, weeding, and hauling while generating operational data.
Akiko Kawai, Senior Manager at Kubota Innovation Center Silicon Valley, shared insights from aging farming communities, particularly in Japan. “Our customers want automation that feels like a natural extension of the Kubota machines they already trust,” Kawai said. “That means integrating the right technology into the tractor from the start and making sure operators—whether they grew up with smartphones or not—can adopt it quickly and confidently.”
Agtonomy Vineyard Deployment and Workforce Evolution
Treasury Wine Estates has been piloting autonomous vineyard fleets, including Agtonomy-enabled machines. Marc Di Pietra, Regional Maintenance and Service Manager, noted workforce implications.
“We’re already seeing that automation changes who wants to work in agriculture,” Di Pietra said. “AgTech operator roles offer opportunities to manage multiple machines, use mobile devices and data, and still stay close to the vines.”
Agtonomy framed the next 24 months as critical for scaling autonomous solutions in specialty crops. The company encouraged growers to begin with targeted applications such as mowing or spraying and to collaborate with OEMs and dealers on deployment strategies.
At the event, Agtonomy demonstrated its third-generation software platform and highlighted partnerships including Kubota’s Agtonomy-enabled M5 Narrow specialty tractor, alongside expansion efforts in the United States and Australia.
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