Raven announces strategic integration of Augmenta and expands automated technology portfolio

SIOUX FALLS, SD, March 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Raven Industries announced today that following the acquisition of the imaging business by CNH Industrial (NYSE: CNHI / MI: CNHI), Raven’s parent company, it is proceeding with the strategic integration by Augmenta will start company. This development significantly expands the company’s comprehensive automated technologies by adding Sense & Act capabilities for a variety of variable spray rate applications.

Augmenta’s comprehensive variable application rate (VRA) solution uses a real-time sensor to process field conditions and automatically apply the optimal product rate for nitrogen, crop growth regulator, crop aid and fungicide applications based on the real-time data collected. It uses camera vision and artificial intelligence, which is more sensitive than the human eye, to automatically control precise application rates based on factors such as canopy health. This maximizes nutrient effectiveness to increase yields while conserving inputs to reduce negative environmental impacts and input costs. These cost savings are visible in real-time on a web-based analytics and monitoring platform.

Existing Augmenta technologies will be commercially available and offered through Raven aftermarket channels. Raven will continue to develop and fully integrate Augmenta’s products into its broader portfolio over the next few years. This investment further demonstrates Raven’s commitment to extend its more than four decades of technology leadership in precision agriculture. For example, the company’s industry-leading Hawkeye® 2 nozzle control system is already a preferred integration partner for many Sense & Act vendors. By integrating the Augmenta solution, Raven customers can maximize their value by unlocking Sense & Act functionalities with simple plug-and-play hardware and interfaces. Overall, the addition of vision-based VRA to Raven’s suite of precision technologies will provide current and future customers with a complete, easy-to-use package of automated spraying capabilities at a value-driven price point.

“Augmenta’s unique AI and vision-based perception technologies bring new, distinct value and scalability to Raven’s industry-leading technologies,” noted John Preheim, Raven vice president of product development. “We look forward to adding innovative Sense & Act capabilities to our products, further increasing profitability for our customers.”

As a result of the acquisition by CNH Industrial, Augmenta will maintain its operations in Greece and the US. The organization becomes part of Raven, united with the goal of helping farmers serve the world. Raven and Augmenta share a strong commitment to building a more sustainable future by reducing the impact of harmful chemicals on soils and operational costs, and improving farmer profitability and long-term profitability. Raven will continue to strategically invest in Augmenta’s location in Athens, Greece as its innovation hub.

“We are excited to welcome Augmenta’s team of experts to the Raven team and expand our market leadership and expertise,” said Eric Shuman, General Manager of Raven. “We look forward to working together as one team and providing superior service to current and future customers of the Augmenta solution.”

Together, Raven and Augmenta are driving the development of environment-based sensing for optimized variable-rate applications, a significant component of Raven’s growing automated technology portfolio. With a strong customer focus, commitment to continuous innovation and expertise in developing world-class precision farming innovations, the combined Raven company is committed to making farming more sustainable and efficient.

About Raven Industries, Inc.

Raven Industries is dedicated to advancing agriculture through technology and innovation, providing innovative, quality products and systems that help farmers serve the world. For decades, Raven has been committed to maximizing operational efficiencies for growers. Today, his pioneering work in autonomous systems is opening up new possibilities in agriculture – driving tractors in the field, connecting the office and cab wirelessly, and protecting the environment with controlled performance. Raven is a subsidiary of CNH Industrial (NYSE: CNHI / MI: CNHI), a premier equipment and services company specializing in agriculture and construction. To learn more, visit https://ravenind.com.

• Raven + Augmenta join forces

• Augmenta Sense & Act technology

Erin Rinehart, Director of Strategic Marketing
Raven Industries
+1 (605) 336-2750
erin.rinehart@ravenind.com