Each year, millions of tons of grain are lost due to spoilage caused by poor storage conditions. This waste doesn’t just impact farmers—it strains the global food supply chain. But Dr. Lorenzo Conti, founder of CROVER, may have found a solution to this costly problem.
CROVER has developed the world’s first subterranean drone, designed specifically to help grain storage operatorsmonitor and maintain the quality of their stock. Unlike traditional methods, which require farmers to walk across grain piles with heavy probes—posing both safety risks and limited data collection—CROVER’s robot “swims through grain” to collect real-time data on temperature and moisture levels.
This innovative approach not only reduces spoilage but also saves time and labor costs, enabling operators to proactively manage grain quality and prevent losses before they occur.
While CROVER is currently focused on centralized grain storage facilities operated by merchants and ports, future versions of the technology could be adapted for on-farm use, making it more accessible to individual farmers.
With tools like CROVER, the future of grain storage management is smarter, safer, and more sustainable—helping farmers protect their crops and the world’s food supply.
References:
Crover Ltd. is a limited company registered in Scotland. Company registration number: SC597529.
Registered office address: The National Robotarium, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS. VAT Reg. No. GB316672302