Upside Robotics Maize Runner

Upside Robotics is a startup emerging from the University of Waterloo that makes AI-powered robots applying fertilizer to corn plants precisely. Its stated goals are lower input costs, higher yields and less soil compaction.

The first in-field robot, Maize Runner, is a solar-powered autonomous unit narrow enough for 30-inch corn rows, carrying a 50-liter tank that refills automatically at a base station. It runs about 10 hours per battery charge and covers roughly 1 acre per hour. The company operates across 3,000 corn acres in Ontario, Canada, and offers 2027 pre-orders.

• Narrow chassis: about 22 inches wide to fit between 30-inch corn rows.
• Auto-refill tank: 50-liter tank refilled automatically at a base station.
• Solar autonomy: solar-powered autonomous operation with about 10 hours of battery life.
• Coverage rate: about 1 acre per hour, up to 100 acres per week.
• Crop sensing: onboard sensors for crop monitoring to guide application.

Large maize farms and feed-corn cooperatives in Vietnam could pilot in-season nitrogen application with robots. Agricultural service contractors could study robot-based fertilizer spreading as a service. Research institutes could test it for precision nutrient trials.

The company claims nitrogen reduction of up to 70% and savings of up to $150 per acre. A 22-inch frame limits soil compaction compared with heavy equipment. Autonomous solar operation reduces labor and fuel needs. A 60-minute full recharge supports daily use.

Fertilizer costs and nitrogen runoff are pushing growers to apply inputs more precisely and in smaller, more frequent doses. Small autonomous robots are an emerging alternative to heavy tractors. Maize growers in Vietnam and Southeast Asia face rising fertilizer costs and could benefit from similar precision approaches.

Startup emerging from the University of Waterloo. Announced a $7.5 million seed round reported in February 2026. Fourth-generation robot built in March 2025; fifth generation listed as coming in April 2026. Maize Runner is available for pre-order for 2027.