February 5, 2026 - In a move that could reshape the future of precision agriculture, Kioti Europe and French robotics company Naïo have announced a strategic alliance to jointly develop a new generation of autonomous agricultural robots, with the first commercial product expected by late 2026.

The collaboration was revealed in Toulouse, France, during the launch of the Gofar Tour, a European showcase for next-generation farm technologies.

As a first prototype, the Kioti RT100 showcases the companies' ambitions. It's an electric autonomous platform capable of:

• Navigating via RTK GPS

• Following workers equipped with a special vest

• Operating along pre-set field lines

The robot is built for weed control, pest management, and in-field transport, reflecting both firms' shared goal of developing robust, scalable, and affordable solutions to reduce labor dependency and input use.

The partnership blends Kioti's industrial scale and global distribution with Naïo's deep robotics expertise. Kioti, part of South Korea's Daedong Corporation, has steadily increased investment in autonomous and electric vehicles for agriculture, while Naïo is known for field-tested robots like the Naïo Oz, a weeding robot widely used in open-field vegetable production.

"This is a synergy of scale and field know-how," company representatives said, noting that the robotic platform will be built for commercial farms, not just niche or research settings.

The announcement comes after Naïo's 2025 relaunch under new ownership, following financial restructuring. The French company, once struggling, has re-emerged with a clearer focus and the backing needed to scale its operations.

By partnering with Kioti, Naïo aims to accelerate market access, particularly in Europe and potentially North America, where labor challenges and environmental pressures are driving demand for automation.

While this partnership was launched in Europe, it has clear implications for U.S. agriculture:

• Labor-saving technologies are in high demand across specialty and row crop sectors.

• Rising interest in non-chemical weed management supports adoption of robotic solutions.

• Autonomous platforms like the RT100 align with growing investments in smart implements, sensors, and remote operation capabilities.

The upcoming robot will target mid-size and large farms, integrating into existing equipment fleets with interoperable guidance systems and data logging tools.

According to both companies, the robotic platform is scheduled for commercial release by Q4 2026. While full specs are still under wraps, early features include:

• Electric drivetrain

• Multi-mode navigation (GPS, vest-following, and line guidance)

• Modular attachments for spraying, cultivating, and hauling

The project reinforces the broader trend toward autonomous field operations, not just in high-value crops, but across mainstream agriculture. It also reflects the globalization of ag-tech innovation, with European and Asian firms bringing joint solutions to U.S. and international producers.