How FarmRobo is scaling up with affordable robots for smallholder farmers
Future Farming speaks with Sreekanth Reddy Vajrala, CEO of FarmRobo , whose iMog robot has won the prestigious Ag Robot of the Year 2025 award. In this exclusive interview, Sreekanth Reddy Vajrala shares insights into the inspiration, design, and future of this game-changing autonomous farming solution.
Future Farming: How did you come up with the idea for the iMog robot? What was the inspiration behind developing this specific solution for smallholder farms?
Sreekanth Reddy Vajrala: The idea for iMog stemmed from extensive field research and discussions with hundreds of farmers. We observed firsthand where traditional mechanization failed—labor shortages, rising costs, and the impracticality of large, expensive equipment for small farms. Our solution was to create a compact, battery-powered, autonomous robot that drastically cuts operational costs while eliminating fuel dependency. iMog doesn’t just replace labor—it amplifies efficiency, reduces costs, and boosts productivity, making cutting-edge technology accessible to smallholder farmers.
Farmer-Driven Innovation
Future Farming: Were farmers or agricultural experts involved in the development of the iMog? If so, how did their feedback influence the design and functionality of the robot?
Sreekanth Reddy Vajrala: Absolutely. Farmers were integral to our development process. We conducted rigorous field trials, testing and refining every aspect to ensure iMog could withstand real-world farming conditions, such as uneven terrain and constant use. One major takeaway was that while full autonomy seemed ideal, farmers wanted the ability to take manual control when needed. Their feedback led us to fine-tune torque distribution for better traction, adjust the wheelbase for stability on slopes, and develop an intuitive control interface for easy operation. Additionally, our European technical advisor, Szirmai Balazs from Hungary, helped us align iMog’s design with international standards and European farm requirements.
Future Farming: The iMog is designed to be a versatile and affordable robot. Can you elaborate on the specific tasks it performs and why these were chosen as priorities for smallholder farmers?
Sreekanth Reddy Vajrala: iMog focuses on three core functions: de-weeding, spraying, and load carrying—key challenges identified by farmers. With rising herbicide resistance and labor shortages, precision-controlled weeding tools were a top priority. Our spraying system ensures accurate input application, reducing costs and environmental impact. For load carrying, iMog’s all-wheel drive system allows it to navigate diverse terrain effortlessly. We’re now working on AI-powered attachments for precision spot spraying, in-plant weeding, and per-plant health monitoring using vision and multispectral imaging.
Why Small is Smarter
Future Farming: Why did you choose a small robot design over a larger, more industrial-sized option? How does this size benefit smallholder farmers specifically?
Sreekanth Reddy Vajrala: Smallholder farms often have compact plots with diverse crops and uneven topography, making large machinery impractical. iMog’s compact chassis, short wheelbase, and low center of gravity allow it to maneuver efficiently while minimizing soil compaction and crop damage. Its modular attachment system makes it versatile and affordable, requiring less power and making it more accessible to farmers with limited resources.
Scaling Up and Reducing Costs
Future Farming: At a price point of €12,000 (US $12,840), the iMog is considered affordable. Do you think that costs could decrease further with larger-scale production? If so, how much impact would that have on adoption?
Sreekanth Reddy Vajrala: Absolutely. As we scale production, costs will decrease through bulk manufacturing, streamlined supply chains, and greater vertical integration of key components. A lower price point will significantly enhance adoption, particularly in emerging markets where financing remains a challenge. Lower capital expenditure (CAPEX) reduces the break-even point, accelerating deployment and improving return on investment (ROI) for small and mid-scale farmers.
Future Farming: What is the business model for a farmer purchasing the iMog? How can they expect to generate returns on their investment, and what kind of economic impact can it have on their operations?
Sreekanth Reddy Vajrala: iMog is not just a machine; it’s an investment that quickly pays for itself. It reduces costs by automating labor-intensive tasks like weeding and spraying, leading to lower labor and chemical expenses. The precision operation enhances crop health, increasing yield and profitability. Additionally, farmers can rent out the iMog, turning it into a revenue-generating asset. With lower operational costs and higher efficiency, most farmers recover their investment within a year, making iMog a practical and profitable choice.
Scaling Up Globally
Future Farming: With 20 units already operational by the end of 2024, what are your sales expectations for the iMog in 2025? Which regions or countries are you targeting for distribution?
Sreekanth Reddy Vajrala: In 2025, we plan to scale aggressively, aiming for 500+ units in the domestic market and 150+ units internationally. Europe is a major focus due to government subsidies and sustainability policies promoting agri-robot adoption. We are also expanding into North America and Asia, where rising labor costs and automation demand are increasing. With iMog’s proven field performance and growing awareness, we foresee it becoming a go-to solution for small-scale farmers worldwide.
