Crover

Crover is an agritech company that has developed a robotic system for monitoring bulk-stored grains. Founded in 2018 by Dr. Lorenzo Conti, the Edinburgh-based startup was born from his PhD research in granular physics at the University of Edinburgh. Dr. Conti discovered a novel method for locomotion through granular materials, which became the company's patented core technology. This "grain-swimming" capability allows the company's robot, the CROVER, to move through and below the surface of stored grains like wheat and barley.

The CROVER robot is a t-shaped device equipped with sensors to measure temperature, moisture, and CO2 levels in real-time. This data is transmitted to a dashboard, providing grain storage operators with a 3D map of conditions within the silo or shed. This allows for early detection of potential spoilage from issues like hotspots, mould, or insect infestations, enabling proactive management to reduce losses. The system is designed to replace traditional manual sampling methods, which are often laborious, inaccurate, and hazardous for workers. The company serves farmers, agricultural cooperatives, and large-scale grain operators. Its business model involves the sale of its robotic hardware and potentially subscription-based services for monitoring and data analytics.

Since its founding, Crover has gained recognition through numerous awards and grants, including from Scottish Enterprise and Innovate UK. The company has engaged in multiple funding rounds to advance product development and scale manufacturing. In April 2023, Crover joined Scotland's National Robotarium to access its advanced lab facilities and engineering expertise. The company is also exploring the technology's application for navigating other granular materials, with potential uses in subterranean exploration or even on lunar and Martian surfaces.

Keywords: robotic grain monitoring, agritech, bulk solids management, grain storage solutions, spoilage reduction, granular locomotion, real-time data, proactive management, silo monitoring, moisture sensors, temperature sensors, food waste reduction, agricultural robotics, crop management, post-harvest technology, grain quality, supply chain efficiency, subterranean drone, remote sensing, automated sampling