Originally published in 2018. Updated July 2025 for context.
As farmers retire and fewer young people step in to take their place, one of humanity’s oldest and most essential industries is facing a workforce crisis. That’s where Northstar Robotics, a Winnipeg-based startup, is stepping in with an innovative solution: the autonomous farm.
Founded in 2016, Northstar Robotics is developing intelligent retrofit kits for existing farm equipment. These kits aim to reduce labor challenges by transforming conventional machinery into autonomous, smart vehicles.
Solving a Real Problem
“I looked at what Manitoba does well, and two things stood out: manufacturing and agriculture,” said CEO and co-founder Shawn Schaerer. “When we looked closer, we saw labor was a key issue, so we focused there first.”
Rather than designing new machines from scratch, Northstar developed kits that can be installed on tractors under 40 horsepower, helping farmers get more out of equipment they already own. The kits are designed to be compatible with a wide range of machines thanks to shared hydraulic and electric systems.
One App to Farm It All
Schaerer describes the future vision as simple and ambitious:
“Imagine a farmer pulling out their phone, pressing ‘Farm’ in our app, and a fleet of robots heads out to prep, seed, feed, and harvest the land.”
That kind of automation could dramatically reduce operating costs and fill the growing gap in agricultural labor.
Going Global, Starting at Home
After speaking with farmers and producers across North America, Europe, China, and beyond, the Northstar team identified a consistent trend: younger generations are moving away from farming.
“It’s hard work,” said Schaerer. “And in many places, better-paying or easier jobs are more appealing.”
But with automation, farming could become more accessible and efficient. Northstar Robotics plans to first scale across Canada and the U.S. before expanding into global markets like Asia and South America.
Powered by North Forge
Northstar Robotics developed its early prototypes with support from North Forge, gaining access to mentorship, fabrication equipment, and a collaborative innovation ecosystem. From idea to global-ready solution, North Forge was part of the journey.
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Visit northstar-robotics.com for more information.
