Pixelfarming Robotics Logo
Our Story
An inspiring story about a company with a dream.
Discover

We create Robots
for Future Farmers

In 2017, a team of engineers began building a prototype that resembled a robot. On our innovation campus in Almkerk's countryside, we explored ways to make farming more sustainable. In talks with with local farmers learned of major challenges in agriculture like chemical-resistant weeds, polluted soils, and labor shortages.
 
We combined our knowledge of software and the expertise of farmers, to start building a robot that would revolutionize farming. That is why in 2019 we founded Pixelfarming Robotics. Now we create advanced agricultural robots for growers all around the world. 
In 2017, a team of engineers began building a prototype that resembled a robot. On our innovation campus in Almkerk's countryside, we explored ways to make farming more sustainable. In talks with with local farmers learned of major challenges in agriculture like chemical-resistant weeds, polluted soils, and labor shortages.
 
We combined our knowledge of software and the expertise of farmers, to start building a robot that would revolutionize farming. That is why in 2019 we founded Pixelfarming Robotics. Now we create advanced agricultural robots for growers all around the world. 

The Foundation

This is what we dream of

Healthy Soil

Our soil is the foundation on which our food grows. Healthy soil lives, boosts plant growth and provides natural defenses. We dream of healthy soil to produce healthy food.

Healthy Food

We dream of healthy food at a fair price, grown without chemicals by dedicated farmers. We strive to make this possible all around the world.

Healthy World

We want future generations to enjoy a flourishing and thriving planet. We dream of a healthy world for the generations to come.

To create a future where technology empowers nature, not disrupts it. Facing the growing challenges of food security and environmental impact, I saw robotics as a tool to work with the planet, not against it. Robot One represents this vision—a smart, sustainable solution that reduces the need for chemicals, nurtures soil health, and drives agricultural efficiency. My dream is that Robot One can redefine farming, creating a world where innovation and nature exist in harmony, building a healthier planet for future generations.

Arend Koekkoek
CEO & Founder

Our Story

Through the years
2017
September
2017
September

Start of Campus Almkerk

In 2016 we bought an old farm. We transformed it to be the new headquarters for our software company IDEA-X among others. At this campus we strive to find sustainable ways to grow our food. From this dream a new cultivation method was born called Pixelfarming. A method of farming where a large variety of crops in is grown in little squares (pixels), arranged to work in symbiosis. With new idea's come new problems. The traditional machines wouldn't fit on these farmbeds. Thus, the idea for Robot One was born.
2018
July
2018
July

First Prototypes

This idea quickly tranformed into multiple prototypes. First we needed to make a robot that could drive autonomously over the field. These first frames were very unstable and consisted mostly of nuts, bolts and duct-tape. We experimented with various techniques, like attaching the Farmbot to our driving frame. 
2018
October
2018
October

First Laser Experiment

At the Dutch Design Week we presented our first pixel cropping concept with laser technology to control weeds. We used a blue laser underneath a CNC arm of Robot Zero. The pixels are made visual using the LED squares for the audience. This configuration formed the basis of the laser technology we employ today.
2019
December
2019
December

Founding of Pixelfarming Robotics

The demand grew for a solution to the weeding problems of farmers. Shortage of labour and pesticide resistance are just a few factors that could endanger the survival of farmers around the world. With a dream of a healthy world with healthy food from healthy soil we started Pixelfarming Robotics.
2021
July
2021
July

Getting our hands dirty 

As the robot developed, it started to become a functioning piece of equipment. We took it out to an organic farmer in the Netherlands who was willing to give this robot a chance to prove itself. By getting our hands dirty we learned that this robot still had a long way to go before it was ready for large scale operations.
2022
June
2022
June

Showing our concept

At the Floriade Expo we got to present our pixelfarming concept to a worldwide audience. With the help of Robot One Version 2022 we cultivated a pixelgarden at the expo in Almere. 

In 2022, Robot One started to become an actual machine that was able to effectively remove weeds and keep farmbeds clean. Like us, many others saw the growing potential in the machine. That year we got to showcase our vision and machine and at various events around Europe. 
2023
February
2023
February

Unveiling the new design

After showing our machine to many farmers, they still weren't conviced our machine could be a solution for them. So we went back to the drawing board. After major design change and months of sweat and tears, our hardworking team presented the first two prototypes of Robot One as we know the Robot today! We got to unveil these new machines at the FIRA 2023 in Toulouse.
2024
June
2024
July

Delivery of the first robots

Robot One proved to be a succes! Our first growers received their machines and started their onboarding training. We worked together with our growers tot get their robots ready for the coming season.
2024
December
2024
November
Robot One 620 on transport

Our biggest robot yet!

Our industrial growers produce on hundreds of hectares of land. More hectares equals more weeds. Our 3,60 meter wide machine turned out to be a too small, so we built our biggest robot yet! At 6,20 meters at it's widest configuration. We aim to produce robots tailored to your farm's specific cultivation.

Our development story

Told by our very own engineers
What started as a simple prototype, became a highly desired solution for many farmers worldwide. This story describes how a prototype transformed into the Robot One version that drives around on the field today. 

Our Headquarters

In the midst of the Dutch countryside, lies our headquarters: Campus Almkerk. Here we develop products that aim to improve the world.

Campus Almkerk covers 10 hectares of land, where we have created test fields to try out and improve our technology. Being in an agricultural area helps us stay connected to real farming needs while we work on sustainable solutions for the future.
Discover

Building Pixelfarming Robotics has been an extraordinary journey, filled with challenges and fulfilling milestones. Every day, we innovate at the intersection of agriculture and technology, driven by a commitment to lasting change. Starting from the ground up, we focus on real solutions to complex issues in food production and sustainability. It takes resilience, creativity, and a strong belief in our mission to push through obstacles, and each challenge strengthens our resolve as we witness the positive impact on farmers, ecosystems, and communities.

Ronald de Kort
Chief of Operations

Building Pixelfarming Robotics has been an extraordinary journey, filled with challenges and fulfilling milestones. Every day, we innovate at the intersection of agriculture and technology, driven by a commitment to lasting change. Starting from the ground up, we focus on real solutions to complex issues in food production and sustainability. It takes resilience, creativity, and a strong belief in our mission to push through obstacles, and each challenge strengthens our resolve as we witness the positive impact on farmers, ecosystems, and communities.

Ronald de Kort
Chief of Operations

The Numbers

2019

Founding year

€9m

Private Funding

7

Operational Robots

30

Employees

Our Team

Arend Koekkoek
CEO | Founder
Arend@pixelfarmingrobotics.com
Ronald de Kort
COO | Founder
Ronald@pixelfarmingrobotics.com
Cindy van Dommelen
Brand Manager
Cindy@pixelfarmingrobotics.com
Geert Hermans
Business Developer
Geert@pixelfarmingrobotics.com
Marcel van Ballegooijen
Project Manager
Leonie Steehouwer
Customer Support
Jens van der Wal
Mechanical Engineer
Luuk Schalken
Field Engineer
Niels Oldenburg
Young Professional
Thomas Smelt
Junior Engineer
Nico de Pender
Electrical Engineer
Lars Molenschot
Mechatronics Engineer
Johnny Bakker
Software Engineer
Sander Jansen
Software Engineer
Rebecca Koekkoek
Trainee Marketing & Sales Support
Hannah Nuvelstijn-Schouten
Trainee Marketing & Sales Support
Lesley Blankendal
Digital Designer & Content Creator
Kevin Smits
Content & Media Creator

Become a part of this story!

Join our team to contribute to this amazing story. To make our dream come true we need you and your skills. Check our careerpage to find out more about a career at Pixelfarming Robotics.
Discover
Is this you?
Your new job
work@pixelfarmingrobotics.com
Pixelfarming Robotics logo
A company founded with a dream for healthy food from healthy soil.

Navigation

Legal

Newsletter

Stay up-to-date with our progress!

Demo request form

Fill out this form to request a demonstration of the Pixelfarming Academy.*
* A demo can not be guaranteed due to limited capacity.

Document request form

Fill out this form to request a copy of our general terms and conditions. After applying you will recieve them within 72 hours.