Autonomous farm robots now self-refill and work 24/7

Solinftec announced the deployment of self-refilling autonomous farm robots in 2026, enabling continuous 24/7 field operations without human intervention. The Brazil-based agtech company is scaling its solar-powered Solix robots across global markets, aiming to reduce costs, optimize inputs, and improve crop monitoring through artificial intelligence and real-time data analysis.

Solinftec has already deployed more than 300 solar-powered robots operating in countries such as the United States, Brazil, Colombia, China, and Mexico. Up to 60 of these units are expected to incorporate autonomous refilling capabilities this year, marking a key step toward fully independent agricultural systems.

According to North American COO Guilherme Guiné, the innovation “closes the loop on autonomy,” allowing robots to detect when they are running low on inputs, return to a docking station, refill automatically, and resume work without human assistance. “This is going to be the first commercial year for those and means we can have 24/7 field operation without human intervention,” he explained.

The Solix robots are equipped with AI, sensors, and high-resolution cameras that continuously monitor crops and apply targeted treatments. This approach enables up to 95% reduction in herbicide use, while also collecting detailed field data such as weed density, pest presence, crop growth stages, and plant health conditions.

All collected information is processed through Solinftec’s ALICE platform and delivered to farmers via mobile devices or computers. The system transforms large volumes of data into actionable insights, helping producers make faster and more precise decisions.

Guiné highlighted that one of the key advantages of the robots is their ability to operate slowly and consistently across the field, revisiting the same plants multiple times. This allows farmers to track the evolution of crops and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments over time. “We want to see a timeline, a video of how this crop is performing over time. That is the value of living in the field,” he said.

Unlike drones or traditional monitoring systems that provide snapshots, Solix robots generate continuous monitoring, enabling early detection of weeds and immediate intervention. This reduces input costs and improves efficiency, especially in large-scale row crop operations.

The company positions its technology as a cost-effective alternative to traditional machinery-based solutions. Each robot is priced at approximately $50,000, with an additional subscription for software updates and platform access. The return on investment comes primarily from reduced labor, lower input usage, and improved operational efficiency.

Solinftec is targeting farmers, agricultural retailers, and crop protection companies, emphasizing ease of use and minimal maintenance requirements. “They don’t want a solution that they need to babysit or is too hard to implement,” Guiné noted, underscoring the importance of user-friendly technology in agriculture.

Maintenance has also been simplified, with most components readily available and supported by local service networks and digital diagnostics powered by AI. The system can even identify issues and guide users through repairs.

Looking ahead, the company plans to expand its robotics portfolio into a family of autonomous machines capable of performing multiple tasks simultaneously. The long-term vision includes integrating spraying, monitoring, and crop treatment into a unified platform that operates independently throughout the growing season.

Solinftec’s strategy focuses on scaling adoption in row crops while maintaining flexibility to expand into specialty crops. The company believes that making the technology affordable for large-scale farming will accelerate adoption across the entire agricultural sector.

The introduction of self-refilling robots represents a significant shift in precision agriculture, moving from assisted automation to fully autonomous systems that operate continuously, reduce environmental impact, and optimize farm productivity.