What Was Seen and Heard at FIRA USA 2025 [Slideshow]

By Melinda Taschetta-Millane|November 7, 2025

FIRA USA 2025 (International Forum for Agricultural Robotics) brought together growers, researchers, and ag tech innovators in Woodland, CA, for three days of field demos, discussions, and hands-on exploration of farm automation. With more than 80 exhibitors and 35 live demonstrations, the event showcased real-world robotics and smart farming tools designed for specialty crops. From harvest-assist systems to precision weeders, the focus was on practical solutions that connect technology with grower needs. The photos I took during the event capture the energy and collaboration that defined this year’s FIRA USA and showcase a community working together to shape the future of agricultural automation. Check out the slideshow below.

1 of 26

1 of 26

Walt Duflock of Western Growers and Gabe Youtsey, Chief Innovation Officer at UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), welcomed attendees of FIRA USA 2025 and emphasized California’s pivotal role in advancing ag robotics and ag tech adoption.
Photo by Melinda Taschetta-Millane
2 of 26

Gwendoline Legrand, co-director and communication manager for FOFAR and FIRA, welcomes attendees during the 2025 Opening Session.
Photo by Melinda Taschetta-Millane
3 of 26

Danny Bernstein, CEO and Managing Partner at The Reservoir, discussed the progress and vision of Reservoir Farms, an ag tech incubator focused on specialty crops.
Photo by Melinda Taschetta-Millane
4 of 26

Beth Ezar, Robotics Factory Create Program Manager, discussed Pennsylvania’s leadership in robotics and the importance of collaboration among industry, startups, and community stakeholders.

Photo by Melinda Taschetta-Millane
5 of 26

Karen Aceves, founder of Arken Strategies, outlined the metrics for measuring the success of the alliance, including the number of workers trained and their long-term benefits.
Photo by Melinda Taschetta-Millane
6 of 26

FIRA USA 2025 panelists (from left) Connie Bowen, Farmhand Ventures, moderator; Karen Aceves, Arken Strategies; Anne Visser, UC Davis; Pete Donlon, Misionero; and Oscar Garcia, Alliance HRMG.
Photo by Melinda Taschetta-Millane
7 of 26

With three demo zones, FIRA USA is the largest ag robot playground in the world.
Photo by Melinda Taschetta-Millane
8 of 26

John Deere air-blast sprayer demo at FIRA USA 2025.
Photo by Melinda Taschetta-Millane
9 of 26

Vineyard demo area at FIRA USA 2025.
Photo by Melinda Taschetta-Millane
10 of 26

Using perception technology, this field is mapped with an autonomy-capable boundary and a headland boundary.
Photo by Melinda Taschetta-Millane
11 of 26

Jaisimha Rao, Founder and CEO of Niqo Robotics, explained the company's AI-powered camera technology, which can distinguish between different plants.
Photo by Melinda Taschetta-Millane
12 of 26

The Niqo Robo Thinner in action at FIRA USA 2025.
Photo by Melinda Taschetta-Millane
13 of 26

The weed-killing robot, Jetty, from Tensorfield Agriculture uses computer vision to identify weeds
Photo by Melinda Taschetta-Millane
14 of 26

The Monarch M200 is an electric agricultural spraying solution designed for orchards.
Photo by Melinda Taschetta-Millane
15 of 26

Praveen Penmetsa, CEO and Co-founder of Monarch, the first company in ag tech to launch an all-electric, autonomous smart machine.
Photo by Melinda Taschetta-Millane
16 of 26

The Monarch M200 Autonomous Sprayer avoids damage to fruits and has a unique cut-edge space.
Photo by Melinda Taschetta-Millane
17 of 26

Spraying technology on display at FIRA USA 2025.
Photo by Melinda Taschetta-Millane
18 of 26

The Kubota XTA series sprayer features advanced technology for crop health treatments, including a high-tech control system and precise dosage regulation.
Photo by Melinda Taschetta-Millane
19 of 26

Originally founded a decade ago to develop autonomous sprayers, EcoRobotix pivoted to tractor-compatible systems that integrate easily into existing farm operations. Shown here is the ARA.
Photo by Melinda Taschetta-Millane
20 of 26

New Holland highlighted a T4.120F specialty tractor with a precision sprayer and the XPower XPR concept electric weeder.
Photo by Melinda Taschetta-Millane
21 of 26

Paul Welbig, Director of Precision Technology for New Holland, talked about the company's focus on precision, technology, automation, autonomy and solutions that help enhance farmer productivity and efficiency.
Photo by Melinda Taschetta-Millane
22 of 26

OnTarget electrostatic sprayer attached to a tractor in a simulated vineyard. OnTarget electrostatic sprayer technology is designed to provide better coverage and reduce the amount of water and chemicals needed.
Photo by Melinda Taschetta-Millane
23 of 26

Automation field demonstration rolling on at FIRA USA 2025.
Photo by Melinda Taschetta-Millane
24 of 26

Bluewhite's Air-O-Fan autonomous kit.
Photo by Melinda Taschetta-Millane
25 of 26

Many components are required for autonomy, including the JD Link modem, Starfire receiver, G5 display, and John Deere Operations.
Photo by Melinda Taschetta-Millane
26 of 26

Crowds were constant in and around the demo zone at FIRA USA 2025. FIRA's mission is to accelerate automation in agriculture and strengthen the link between growers, innovators, and researchers.
Photo by Melinda Taschetta-Millane

Melinda Taschetta-Millane is a seasoned, award-winning journalist with extensive and diverse experience as a progressive leader in B2B media brands. She has degrees in journalism/mass communication and art from Iowa State University, and is based in the Chicagoland area. See all author stories here.