Key Takeaways
- Sabanto Inc. and Verdant Robotics have integrated their systems for the first time, enabling fully autonomous field operations that combine navigation and plant-level precision application without an operator in the cab.
- Verdant's SharpShooter precision application system now communicates directly with Sabanto-equipped tractors via the CAN bus, allowing the implement to feed real-time field data to the autonomy system and direct tractor speed and implement height adjustments.
- The integration uses Verdant's Aim & Apply technology to identify individual plants and weeds and apply inputs only where needed, reducing overall input use while enabling 24/7 operation without additional headcount.
- The combined system is already deployed in commercial operations including sod production at Bethel Farms, and is compatible across a wide range of tractor makes and models through Sabanto's retrofit approach.
- The integration addresses two of agriculture's most pressing challenges simultaneously: labor shortages and the need to reduce input costs through precision application.
Sabanto and Verdant Robotics Integrate Autonomous Navigation and Precision Application
Sabanto Inc., a provider of autonomy retrofit solutions for agricultural machinery, and Verdant Robotics, developer of the SharpShooter precision application system, have completed their first system integration. The combined solution allows producers to fully automate field work — from tractor navigation to plant-level input application — with no operator required in the cab.
Verdant's SharpShooter now operates behind Sabanto-equipped autonomous tractors, using Aim & Apply technology to identify individual plants and weeds and apply inputs only where needed, rather than broadcasting across the entire field. The SharpShooter communicates directly with the tractor through the CAN bus, feeding real-time field data to the Sabanto Autonomy System during active navigation. Based on that data, it directs the tractor to adjust speed and implement height according to field conditions, executing the decisions that would typically require an operator.
Four Operational Advantages of the Combined System
The companies highlight four primary benefits of the integration. First, fully autonomous operation eliminates the need for an operator in the cab, directly addressing widespread labor shortages in agriculture. Second, Aim & Apply technology enables targeted, plant-level input delivery rather than blanket field applications, reducing the volume of inputs consumed. Third, Sabanto's retrofit autonomy enables extended operation without an operator, and SharpShooter's lightweight design allows for earlier field entry, expanding the operational window to 24/7 without adding headcount. Fourth, the integration is already delivering results commercially — including at Bethel Farms, where the combined system is deployed in commercial sod production under demanding field conditions.
The technical integration connects Sabanto‘s autonomy platform — incorporating high-precision GNSS, cameras, an advanced vehicle operating system, and proprietary path-planning — directly to the SharpShooter. The setup is compatible across a wide range of tractor makes and models, consistent with Sabanto's retrofit philosophy of working with farmers' existing equipment.
What Sabanto and Verdant Robotics Leadership Say
“Our goal has always been to make full autonomy accessible and immediately valuable for everyone in the ag industry — farmers, implement providers, retailers, input providers, and tractor manufacturers alike. This integration represents another major leap forward in practical, scalable autonomy for agriculture. By pairing our best-in-class and proven retrofit autonomy system with Verdant's groundbreaking SharpShooter technology, we're giving producers and stakeholders yet another complete solution that works on their existing equipment. Farmers can run precision operations 24/7, addressing labor shortages head-on while dramatically cutting input costs. Sabanto's philosophy is to deliver on behalf of our customers and to do what's best for them, bottom line. Continuing to build versatility into our offering does just that,” said Craig Rupp, Founder and CEO of Sabanto Inc.
“Growers invested in SharpShooter to reduce inputs, run operations their crews can't always staff, and take back control of their application window. This integration means they can do all of that without an operator in the cab — more acres covered, fewer people required, and the same plant-level precision on every pass. It brings together autonomy and precision application in a way that directly solves the challenges growers have been asking us to address,” said Gabe Sibley, Co-Founder and CEO of Verdant Robotics.
3 Comments