Ag Startup Engine, in the Iowa State University (ISU) Research Park, has announced an initial investment in Herman, Nebraska-based Birds Eye Robotics. Birds Eye Robotics designs broiler house solutions to improve facility upkeep and bird welfare, and to address labor market pressure on poultry farmers.
“Birds Eye Robots supports commercial poultry operations through cutting edge technology and farmer common sense,” says Scott Niewohner, CEO. “Our autonomous caretaker robot focuses on animal welfare by removing mortality, stimulating birds, and tilling up caked bedding.”
Ag Startup Engine is excited to welcome Birds Eye Robotics into its network of startups. “Birds Eye Robotics is innovating at the intersection of robotics, artificial intelligence and animal health,” commented Joel Harris of Ag Startup Engine. “Their technology will soon be at work in broiler houses in Iowa, Nebraska and beyond.”
“Birds Eye Robotics was specifically designed at the request of poultry growers to reduce labor demand and cost,” adds Niewohner. “Our commitment is to help with the growing labor shortage that we hear about every day from growers. Partnering with Ag Startup Engine and other ag-centric organizations makes that a reality, quicker.”
They are currently partnering with select poultry growers and operators across the Midwest as part of their pilot test program. Those interested can go to their website to learn more.
Ag Startup Engine was launched four years ago to help address two fundamental gaps that prevent agricultural startups and entrepreneurs from being more successful: early seed-stage investment and organized mentorship from successful entrepreneurs. With the program’s second fund, their goal is to accept and invest in 45 agriculture and animal health startups in the next five years.
