Kilter

About Kilter

Kilter AS is a Norwegian agricultural technology company that develops autonomous robotic systems to reduce chemical inputs and enhance precision in farming. The company's journey began in 2015 as a robotics project within the innovation and design firm Adigo Mechatronics. Recognizing the potential of its proprietary nozzle technology, Kilter was spun out and formally established as an independent entity in 2020. The firm was founded to address significant challenges in modern agriculture, including labor shortages, rising input costs, and increased regulatory pressure on chemical use.

Kilter's flagship product is the AX-1, an autonomous weeding robot. This system integrates advanced imaging technology, artificial intelligence, and a patented "Single Drop Technology" (SDT) to perform ultra-high-precision spot spraying. The AX-1 navigates fields, uses machine learning to differentiate between crops and weeds, and applies micro-droplets of herbicide with 6x6mm accuracy. This targeted approach can reduce herbicide usage by up to 95% compared to conventional methods, which minimizes chemical exposure for crops, lowers costs for farmers, and reduces environmental impact. The lightweight robot is designed to minimize soil compaction and can operate 24/7 in various conditions. While it primarily uses herbicides, its precision enables the use of environmentally friendly bio-herbicides.

The company targets the high-value vegetable and horticulture market, serving clients with crops such as carrots, onions, salads, and beets. Since starting commercial operations in 2021, Kilter has established a presence with farmers in several Northern European countries, including Norway, Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands. The business model is expected to be a combination of robot sales and service or data contracts. Kilter has attracted significant investment to fuel its growth. In November 2024, it raised €9 million in a Series A round co-led by Pymwymic and Nufarm. This was followed by a €6.5 million financing in February 2026, which included a strategic investment from Kubota Corporation, a major manufacturer of agricultural machinery. This partnership with Kubota also includes a distribution agreement to leverage Kubota's dealer networks, starting in Germany and the Netherlands in 2026, to accelerate international expansion.