September 19, 2025 - Varinder Sidhu, PlantTape
Meeting summary
Quick recap
The meeting began with a presentation about Plantape's automated transplanting system, which demonstrated significant efficiency improvements over traditional methods and discussed its adoption across North America and Europe. The group then discussed various agricultural robotics technologies, including updates on Verdant Robotics' precision sprayers and Grand River Robotics' water pumps, along with extensive discussions about drone technology in agriculture including regulatory challenges and adoption rates. The conversation ended with updates on upcoming events and funding opportunities, including the GC Expo in Ottawa and various research initiatives comparing conventional and robotic technologies.
Next steps
Summary
Plantape's Automated Transplanting System
Dr. Vrinder Sidhu presented Plantape's automated transplanting system, highlighting its efficiency and flexibility in sowing, germination, and transplanting crops, particularly vegetables. He explained the company's origins, its adoption by Tenemura Anna Antel farm in California, and its subsequent commercialization in North America and Europe. Sidhu detailed Plantape's products, including the Plant Tape and two types of transplanters, the GK machine and the lightweight planter, designed to improve efficiency and reduce labor requirements. He noted that the system can transplant 3-5 acres per hour, significantly increasing productivity compared to traditional methods, and is used by vegetable growers across Canada, with Nova Scotia having 100% adoption.
Plant8 Automated Transplanting System Demo
VSidhu demonstrated the Plant8 automated transplanting system and Plant Tape technology to Dan, explaining its three-step seed sowing process and advantages over traditional methods. The system reduces labor needs, increases nursery efficiency, and provides uniform plant growth, with plants requiring only 20-30 days of nursery time before transplanting. VSidhu showed field photos of various crops including lettuce, broccoli, and onions, highlighting the system's ability to produce uniform crops across the field, though noted some challenges with onions.
Plantabor: Automated Vegetable Planting
The meeting focused on a presentation by Verinder about Plantabor technology, which automates vegetable planting using a tape system. Verinder explained that the system can reduce labor costs and is being used successfully in Saskatchewan, where a grower has increased production significantly. The technology includes a transplanter and plant tape, with the transplanter costing approximately $16,400 for 4,000 seeds and being recoverable in 1.5 years. The discussion covered material sourcing, with Lambert being the Canadian supplier for substrates, and addressed biosecurity concerns about tray reuse, with Verinder explaining that trays are sanitized between uses. The conversation ended with a brief discussion about the upcoming GC Expo event in Ottawa.
Verdant Robotics and Robotic Farming Updates
ChuckBaresich shared an update about a meeting with Verdant Robotics, a California-based company that develops a high-precision sprayer with a customizable 20-foot module and a turret for angling spray. He discussed their interest in targeting organic and soybean production markets and mentioned efforts to arrange trials in Ontario for the 2026 season. Ian MCDONALDIA reported on farmer interest in robotic technology at a recent show, highlighting Grand River Robotics' distribution of Rain360 water pumps, and planned to arrange a call with farmers to discuss their first-year experiences.
Drone Agriculture: Challenges and Trends
The group discussed the current state and future of drone technology in agriculture, particularly focusing on spray drones and regulatory challenges. Ian explained that federal approval is needed for drone pesticide applications, with only one product currently having a label for industrial vegetation use. Chuck noted the shift from smaller, swarming drones to larger models like the T100, which requires more logistics and personnel, and raised questions about this trend. The group agreed to pursue speakers from major OEMs like John Deere and AgCo to better understand their technology initiatives, with Chuck planning to connect with INDRO and Matt Vendrig for insights on drone use in Canada.
Agricultural Drone Technology and Regulations
The group discussed drone technology in agriculture, focusing on both the regulatory aspects of moving autonomous equipment between fields and the broader adoption of drone technology. ChuckBaresich agreed to connect the group with farmers who could share their experiences with robotics, while Bridget suggested organizing two panels: one on drone technology and another on regulations for autonomous equipment movement. The discussion also covered Canadian drone manufacturing capabilities, with Julian noting that while there are a few Canadian companies, most agricultural drone technology is imported, particularly from DJI. Devika introduced her company Uselidge Innovations, which manufactures agricultural drones in India and recently expanded to Canada, highlighting their precision farming solutions including drones for spraying and field analysis.
Drone Events and Funding Updates
The meeting covered updates on drone companies and upcoming events. Dan mentioned the GC Expo in Ottawa on the 24th and the Conestoga Biotech Research and Innovation Hub launch in Kitchener on the same day. Bridget highlighted upcoming funding opportunities for research projects starting in March 2026, emphasizing the need for studies comparing conventional and robotic technology. Cesar reminded attendees about the Ontario Pest Management Conference on October 24th, focusing on drone applications in pest management, and mentioned a presentation on the Carlin herbicide product. The next meeting was scheduled for the 26th.
