Robotics

Reservoir Launches New Agricultural Robotics Incubator

Reservoir has announced a new agricultural robotics incubator for Washington growers, aiming to deploy startups directly into orchards, vineyards, and berry fields alongside researchers.

Radwan AbdulhadiEditor and technology writer

Published: October 20, 2026 · Updated: October 20, 2026 · 3 min read

Reservoir Launches New Agricultural Robotics Incubator — Image: The Robot Report

New Agricultural Robotics Incubator in Washington

Reservoir, in collaboration with Washington State University’s Prosser Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center (IAREC), the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission (WTFRC), and the Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC), has announced a new agricultural robotics incubator tailored for Washington growers.

The new site is designed to put agricultural robotics startups to work directly in the state’s orchards, vineyards, and berry fields, collaborating side-by-side with researchers and local growers.

Addressing Labor Challenges in High-Value Crops

This announcement arrives as Washington growers face increasing labor costs and a shrinking workforce across some of the most difficult crops in the world to automate. These challenging crops include apples, cherries, pears, blueberries, wine grapes, and hops.

As an innovation center and venture capital fund, Reservoir focuses heavily on helping agtech startups succeed directly where agriculture happens—out in the field.

Expanding On-Farm Innovation Hubs

Reservoir originally launched its innovation center in the Salinas Valley and maintains a broader goal of expanding into other key regions across California and the American West. The organization's venture capital arm backs startups that solve real-world problems in high-value crops and the rugged physical AI stack.

Earlier this year, the company officially opened Reservoir Farms – Salinas as its flagship on-farm innovation hub for specialty crops. The Salinas site features multiple innovation barns and 24 acres of dedicated commercial test fields, establishing a concentrated ecosystem for technology leaders, growers, and startups to rapidly scale food production solutions.

Industry Leadership and Multi-Region Strategy

The grand opening of the Salinas facility drew more than 300 growers, agricultural leaders, federal and state officials, community partners, investors, and media members.

Danny Bernstein, founder and CEO of Reservoir, noted that the company listened intently to partners early on to understand where agricultural innovation was stalling. According to Bernstein, the focus now shifts entirely toward execution and real-world impact for growers, upskilled rural jobs, and a more secure food supply.

Last summer, Reservoir outlined plans to expand its on-farm innovation center model across Arizona, California, and other major growing regions, with each hub anchored by prominent academic and research institutions.

Winter Pilots and Industry Partnerships

As part of its multi-region strategy, Reservoir invited startups to run winter pilot programs at the University of Arizona’s Yuma Agricultural Center, giving technologies an opportunity to be tested within commercial desert vegetable production.

Additionally, Reservoir announced a $10 million, three-year R&D partnership with John Deere to accelerate the development and commercialization of rugged AI technologies for high-value crop agriculture, building upon a relationship that started when Reservoir was founded in 2024.