[In the Media] TEDx Talk, Breaking New Ground: How CROVER is Transforming Grain Storage and Beyond

Grain storage is one of the most overlooked yet critical phases in the global food supply chain. Each year, over 630 million tons of grain are lost due to spoilage during storage, contributing to 6% of greenhouse gas emissions from food waste. Enter CROVER, a revolutionary subterranean robot designed to address this challenge while opening new horizons in granular media exploration.

What Makes CROVER Unique?

Unlike conventional methods that rely on manual inspections—which are labor-intensive, dangerous, and limited—CROVER can “swim” through grain in silos and sheds, collecting real-time data on temperature and moisture levels. This robotic solution also mixes grain as it moves, maintaining quality without the need for removal from storage.

The technology, powered by the groundbreaking CROVER Effect, utilizes a coupling between rotational and translational motion in granular materials, allowing it to move seamlessly without damaging the environment. This innovation ensures that every grain that enters storage emerges with the same quality, reducing waste, improving safety, and boosting efficiency for farmers, grain merchants, and storage operators.

A Vision Beyond Agriculture

CROVER’s potential doesn’t stop at grain storage. The robot can navigate a wide range of granular media, from sand to cocoa beans, opening doors to applications like:

• Underground exploration on Mars and other planets.
• Mineral bulk assessments for resource extraction.
• Chemical powder mixing for industrial use.

The Journey Ahead

The CROVER team is committed to developing a comprehensive grain storage management system, while exploring additional applications in diverse industries. By breaking the underground barrier, CROVER is not just solving today’s storage problems—it’s paving the way for tomorrow’s innovations.

The question remains: What would you do if you had a CROVER to boldly go where no robot has gone before?