Robots are now farming at night:Video shows autonomous robots protecting crops with UV light instead of pesticides

Imagine walking through a strawberry farm at midnight and spotting giant robots silently moving between the plants. It may sound like a scene from a science-fiction movie, but it’s already happening in California. A viral video on social media has captured autonomous robots roaming strawberry fields at night. Instead of spraying pesticides, these machines use ultraviolet (UV) light to protect crops from harmful pests and diseases. Viral video shows robots working while farmers sleep The video shows large self-driving robots moving through rows of strawberry plants after dark. These machines have been developed by US-based robotics company TRIC Robotics. Their job is simple: keep crops healthy without relying heavily on chemical pesticides. How do these robots fight pests? The robots use a special type of ultraviolet light known as UV-C light. As they move through the fields, the light targets fungal spores that cause diseases such as powdery mildew. The UV light damages the spores’ DNA, preventing them from growing and spreading. Because the treatment happens at night, the crops can be protected without affecting normal farm operations during the day. Also read: Tata’s iPhone-parts factory accused of pollution: Tamil Nadu Pollution Board warned of power cut and plant closure

Some robots can also vacuum up insects Certain models, including TRIC Robotics’ Luna robot, come equipped with vacuum technology. These machines not only shine UV light on plants but can also physically suck up insects from the crops. This provides farmers with another chemical-free way to control pests. Reducing the need for pesticides One of the biggest advantages of this technology is the reduction in chemical use. According to the company, farms using these robots have been able to cut pesticide use dramatically, sometimes by as much as 70% to 98%. This helps lower costs while reducing the environmental impact of farming. Safer for farmers and the environment Unlike traditional pesticide spraying, UV-light treatment does not create chemical drift or leave harmful residues behind. This means farm workers are not exposed to toxic sprays, and fields do not need to be closed after treatment. The process is cleaner, safer, and more environmentally friendly. Also read: FIFA World Cup 2026: From smart match ball to robo dogs, here’s how AI is changing world’s largest sports event

Smart robots powered by data These machines do more than simply drive through fields. Using sensors and data analysis, they can monitor crop health and determine how much UV treatment is needed. This allows farmers to apply protection more precisely and efficiently. Why strawberries and grapes? The technology is especially useful for crops that require frequent pesticide treatments, such as strawberries and wine grapes.
These crops are vulnerable to fungal diseases, making them ideal candidates for UV-based protection systems. The sight of robots patrolling fields at night may seem unusual today, but technologies like these could soon become a common part of modern farming around the world.