JP Robotics selected as finalist for Propel-AIR

OCEAN GROVE, VIC - Agriculture technology company JP Robotics has been selected as one of seven finalists in Propel-AIR 2026, Australia's dedicated AI and robotics sprint delivered by the ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre. The Victoria based company will now compete for the opportunity to work with and alongside MassRobotics in Boston, the global epicentre of robotics innovation, with its chemical-free vineyard treatment platform.  

Advancing Sustainable Vineyard Management

Traditional chemical treatments create dependency cycles, preventing organic certification. As a result, vineyard operators face increasing pressure to curb chemical use while scaling crop quality and yield.

JP Robotics is addressing this challenge with a chemical-free alternative that treats powdery mildew, a common yet costly disease responsible for crop losses across Victoria's wine regions.  "We're using UV light and autonomous robots to get rid of some pests in the vineyards and in other crops." said JP Angulo, a representative from JP Robotics.

Bringing AI and Robotics to Agriculture

The solution uses targeted UV light to destroy mildew pores and interrupt dependency cycles, reducing the need for chemical treatment. By combining precision light delivery with AI-powered yield forecasting, the solution strengthens natural plant defences while eliminating fungal threats at the DNA level. The platform operates at night to ensure maximum safety and biological effectiveness, creating a comprehensive sustainable farming system based on automation and AI.  

Growth plans

JP Robotics has secured partnerships with Australian wine producers for pilot testing to validate treatment efficiency, measure chemical reduction and quantify cost savings. The company is exploring multiple revenue pathways, including equipment sales, Robotics-as-a-Service and AI-powered forecasting solutions, with a long-term vision to extend the platform across a range of high-value crops.

Through Propel-AIR, J Robotics will accelerate the development of its autonomous UVC platform, refine its commercialisation strategy and prepare for expanded field deployments. The winner will travel to MassRobotics in Boston for a one-month residency, with access to leading robotics companies and world-class institutions like MIT and Harvard.

ENDS

About JP Robotics

JP Robotics is an Australian AgTech startup focused on developing autonomous robotics solutions for sustainable farming. Their flagship innovation is an AI-powered robotic platform that uses UVC light to control powdery mildew in vineyards, reducing reliance on chemical fungicides and supporting organic wine production. The company was founded in 2025 by John Burtt in Ocean Grove, Victoria.

About Propel-AIR ARM Hub's Propel-AIR program is Australia's AI and Robotics Sprint, designed to fast-track Australian robotics and AI innovators by equipping them with tools, guidance, and networks to scale their business. This pioneering program provides business opportunities for AI and robotics companies, culminating in a virtual pitch to an international panel of experts. The winner receives a month's residency in Boston with MassRobotics.