Agricultural giant John Deere expands its automated crop solutions by acquiring GUSS.

John Deere, a leading name in agricultural technology, has announced the acquisition of GUSS Automation, a California-based company renowned for its semi-autonomous spraying equipment. This acquisition, which follows a joint venture between the two companies that began in 2022, is set to enhance John Deere's autonomous technology offerings for high-value crops in 2024.

Founded in 2018, GUSS Automation is headquartered in California's San Joaquin Valley. The company has deployed over 250 machines globally, accounting for 2.6 million acres sprayed over 500,000 autonomous hours. GUSS's technology allows one operator to remotely manage up to eight sprayers at once, making it an invaluable asset in the agricultural industry.

The business, which will retain its name, brand, employees, and manufacturing facility in Kingsburg, California, is known for its work in orchards, vineyards, and vegetable fields. GUSS's "Orchard GUSS" and "mini GUSS" blast sprayers can also be equipped with Deere's Smart Apply system, further integrating the two companies' technologies.

For John Deere, the acquisition brings deeper expertise and customer relationships in the high-value crop arena. With this acquisition, John Deere has become the exclusive OEM partner of The Reservoir, an ag innovation hub in Salinas, California. As the exclusive OEM partner, Deere will have exclusive access to early-stage startups developing automation and robotics tools for this area.

Meanwhile, other players in the agricultural technology sector are also making strides. Sam Altman-backed Coco Robotics is building out its last-mile delivery fleet after $80 million in fresh funding. San Jose-based Bonsai Robotics acquired farm-ng, which has developed a lightweight, multi-purpose 'bot for specialty crops.

In the realm of fishing, Shinkei Systems is expanding its robotic fishing operation. Meanwhile, TRIC Robotics has announced new funding to expand across California's strawberry fields. The Reservoir, which focuses on helping ag robotics and automation startups in the high-value crop segment, with a special emphasis on California growers, continues to support innovative solutions in the industry.

GUSS COO Gary Thompson believes that joining John Deere will widen access to potential customers for GUSS, providing a promising future for both companies in the ever-evolving world of agricultural technology.

Agricultural giant John Deere expands its automated crop solutions by acquiring GUSS.