Bonsai Robotics Expands AI Platform to Connect All Farm Equipment Through New Telemetry Solution

Bonsai Robotics Inc. announced the expansion of its Teletrace™ software ecosystem to enable conventional tractors and implements to be monitored and managed through the same digital interface previously reserved for autonomous equipment. This development represents a significant step toward digital transformation in agriculture, particularly for high-value permanent crops that have historically lagged in technological integration.

The platform is powered by the Topcon CL-55, a compact telemetry device that connects directly to the CAN bus standard interface found on most modern farm machinery. Through Topcon's CloudLink service, real-time machine data is transmitted and integrated into Bonsai's cloud platform, creating a unified management system for mixed equipment fleets. This capability allows growers to track operational utilization, performance metrics, harvest rates, and input usage across all their equipment regardless of make, model, or age.

Tyler Niday, CEO and co-founder of Bonsai, emphasized that the solution transforms any farm machinery into smart machines utilizing Teletrace, enabling growers to manage mixed fleets from anywhere. The technology addresses a critical gap in agricultural technology where permanent crops have seen mechanical innovation but not corresponding digital transformation. By making conventional equipment compatible with their AI platform, Bonsai enables growers to prepare for phased autonomy adoption without the substantial cost of full equipment upgrades.

The system's vision-based autonomy stack, purpose-built for harsh orchard environments, provides reliable operation under challenging conditions where GPS, LiDAR, and satellite-based systems often fail. This capability is particularly valuable in environments with dense canopy coverage, uneven terrain, and persistent dust issues that compromise traditional navigation systems. The platform's ability to function in GNSS-denied environments without requiring cellular or internet connections makes it ideal for remote agricultural operations.

Successful deployments across almond, pistachio, and citrus operations in California and Australia demonstrate the platform's practical application, where growers are using Bonsai to automate various tasks including spraying, mowing, disking, shaking, and sweeping operations. The company's long-term vision involves managing diverse machinery across brands, horsepower ranges, and autonomy levels from a single intuitive platform, effectively ending the information black hole that has traditionally characterized orchard operations. This development positions Bonsai at the forefront of agricultural digitalization, potentially setting new standards for equipment interoperability and data-driven farming practices.