Pioneering Smart Vineyard Management with Artificial Intelligence and Drone Technology.

Our journey began when our founders, Murat Merdin and Oğuz Deniz Merdin, recognized the stark contrast between the technological advancements in manufacturing sectors such as automotive, aviation, and electronics, and the traditional methods still used in farming. With the world facing unprecedented challenges like global warming, climate change, and food safety concerns, we knew we had to act.

Working in industrial robotics, we had successfully completed numerous projects, delivering robust, high-availability systems for various sectors. We realized that the same advanced technologies—AI, image processing, high-tech sensors—could be adapted to solve pressing agricultural problems. One notable project involved developing a robotic fig sorter to detect aflatoxins, showcasing our capability in agricultural innovation.

Our turning point came when a company from Ordu, Turkey, approached us. They were successfully using drones to spray crops on steep, hilly terrains where traditional equipment couldn’t reach. However, they faced a challenge: a lack of drones, companies, and pilots willing to work in such difficult conditions. Inspired by their success and driven by our expertise in taking operators out of the equation, the idea for DRONEQUBE was born. We envisioned a system where drones could autonomously perform tasks, supported by an industrial robot for refilling and battery swaps.

Based in Urla, Izmir—a town renowned for its local wines—we proposed an R&D project to Urla Winery to test our concept. They agreed, and this collaboration led to the deployment of our first QUBE 1, marking the beginning of DRONEQUBE.

Our mission extends beyond building a robotic system; it’s about providing tools to tackle the growing challenges of global warming and labor shortages in agriculture. With global temperatures rising, farmers are struggling to keep up with the increased threat of pests and diseases. They lack the manpower to inspect every leaf for problems. By leveraging our technology, we aim to ensure the safety and quality of our food. Our ultimate goal is to eliminate the use of chemicals in farming. In the first phase, we will reduce chemical usage by applying precise, targeted, and trackable interventions.”