FarmBot :: Automated, Computer Controlled Garden & Farming Systems

FarmBot is an open-source CNC farming company that develops and sells automated, computer-controlled garden and farming systems. Launched as a Kickstarter project in 2014, FarmBot has grown into a global movement promoting accessible, sustainable, and hyper-local food production. The company designs, manufactures, and ships complete FarmBot Genesis and Genesis XL kits that turn raised garden beds into fully automated, programmable farms. FarmBot’s mission is to make growing food as easy as playing a video game, empowering individuals, families, schools, communities, and small farms to achieve food sovereignty with minimal effort. The platform is fully open-source (hardware, software, and documentation), encouraging a vibrant global community of contributors, educators, and users.

FarmBot Genesis is essentially a CNC gantry robot mounted over a raised garden bed. It uses computer-controlled movement along X, Y, and Z axes to perform all gardening tasks autonomously. The system is powered by a Raspberry Pi and custom Farmduino electronics, with a web-based interface (my.farm.bot) for planning, monitoring, and controlling the garden from anywhere.

Key Robot-Based Products:

• FarmBot Genesis v1.8: The standard model with a 1.5m x 3m (≈5ft x 10ft) growing area. It comes 95% pre-assembled and can be installed in about 2 hours. It supports automatic seeding, watering, weeding, soil sensing, and plant monitoring.
• FarmBot Genesis XL v1.8: The larger model with a 3m x 6m (≈10ft x 20ft) area, suitable for feeding a family of four or small commercial production.

Core Robotic Features:

• Universal Tool Mount: Interchangeable tools including a seeder, watering nozzle, rotary weeder, soil sensor, and camera.
• Automatic Tool Changing: The robot automatically swaps tools from a tool bay.
• Computer Vision: An IP67 camera for plant identification, weed detection, and growth monitoring.
• Precision Control: Stepper motors, encoders, and leadscrew drive for accurate positioning (down to millimeter level).
• Software: Free, open-source web app for designing garden layouts, creating sequences, monitoring progress, and integrating with weather data.

FarmBot supports growing a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Users report significant time savings, higher yields, reduced water usage, and educational value, especially in schools and community gardens. The company also supports advanced users with custom tool development and off-grid solar options. FarmBot represents a practical, open-source approach to robotic agriculture that democratizes food production technology.