Thorvald, the autonomous farming robot, is transforming agriculture by replacing chemical fungicide treatments with light, already protecting thousands of acres of vineyards and a significant share of the UK’s strawberry production.
October 15, 2026 (Oslo, Norway & Paso Robles, CA) — Saga Robotics has been named to TIME’s List of the Best Inventions of 2026 for Thorvald, its groundbreaking autonomous agricultural robot that is changing how crops are protected and grown. The global recognition marks a major milestone for Saga Robotics and the future of sustainable agriculture.
fungicide applications, limiting the use of diesel-powered equipment, minimizing soil
compaction, and reducing workers’ exposure to fungicide sprays while reducing labor-
intensive spray operations Photo credit: Jason Henry
In 2026 alone, Thorvald is protecting approximately 2,500 acres of California vineyards and treating an estimated 30% of the United Kingdom’s tabletop strawberry production, demonstrating how autonomous, carbon and chemical-reducing crop protection can operate across major agricultural industries.
“To be recognized by TIME as one of the Best Inventions of 2026 is an extraordinary moment for Saga Robotics and everyone who has helped bring Thorvald to life,” said Sacha de La Noë, CEO, Saga Robotics. “The team behind this technology believes the future of agriculture is far less dependent on chemicals. Thorvald is proving that this future is already possible. What began as an ambitious idea in Norway is now transforming commercial farming in the UK and United States. And we’re only getting started.”
Thorvald is pioneering a radically different approach to crop protection that Saga Robotics calls ‘Farming with Light’
Operating autonomously and at night, Thorvald uses precisely delivered UV-C light to control powdery mildew and other diseases in vineyards and strawberry crops, dramatically reducing the need for conventional fungicide applications. Its modular platform also collects valuable crop intelligence, helping growers make more informed decisions while reducing the environmental footprint of food and wine production.
“For generations, growers have relied on chemical sprays to protect their crops. Thorvald is demonstrating that we can achieve effective disease control using light while significantly reducing chemical inputs,” said Caine Thompson, General Manager, U.S., Saga Robotics. “To see this technology recognized by TIME while it’s already operating across thousands of acres is an incredible validation of what’s possible. We’re not just building robots. We’re helping shape the future of agriculture.”
Current Thorvald users in California’s North Coast and Central Coast wine regions include:
- Antinori Napa Valley, (Napa)
- Beckstoffer Vineyards (Napa)
- Bien Nacido Estate (Santa Maria)
- Bonterra Organic Estates, (Mendocino)
- Castoro Cellars (Paso Robles)
- Crocker & Starr (Napa)
- The Donum Estate (Sonoma)
- Kylix Vineyards (Paso Robles)
- Mesa Vineyard Management (Paso Robles)
- Priest Ranch (Napa)
- Presqu’ile (Santa Maria)
- Tablas Creek Vineyard (Paso Robles)
- Silverado Farming Company (Napa)
- Silver Oak, (Napa)
- Somerston Estate (Napa)
- Walsh Vineyard Management (Napa & Sonoma)
From University Research to a Global Agricultural Breakthrough
Thorvald’s journey began in 2014 as a master’s project at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. Founded in 2016, Saga Robotics has since transformed that early concept into one of the world’s leading commercially deployed autonomous agricultural platforms.
Developed in close partnership with growers and researchers, Thorvald represents a fundamental shift in crop protection, from repeated chemical interventions toward precision, autonomous treatments that work with the rhythms of the farm.
Beyond disease control, the platform is designed to support a growing range of agricultural applications, creating the foundation for a new generation of intelligent, multifunctional farming systems.
In California’s premium wine regions, lightweight Thorvald robots are helping growers reduce fungicide applications, limit the use of diesel-powered equipment, minimize soil compaction, and reduce workers’ exposure to fungicide sprays while reducing labor-intensive spray operations.
A Defining Moment for the Future of Farming
TIME’s annual Best Inventions list recognizes innovations making a meaningful impact on the world. Selected from nominations submitted by TIME editors and correspondents globally, alongside an online application process, inventions are evaluated for originality, efficacy, ambition and impact.
Thorvald’s inclusion among the 300 inventions recognized in 2026 places Saga Robotics alongside innovators pushing the boundaries of technology and redefining what’s possible across industries.
For Saga Robotics, the recognition comes as demand for autonomous farming solutions continues to grow, driven by increasing pressure to reduce chemical use, address labor challenges, and improve the sustainability and efficiency of agricultural production.
The next generation of agriculture isn’t just autonomous. It’s ‘Farming with Light’.
View TIME’s Best Inventions of 2026: https://ti.me/best-inventions
About Saga Robotics
Saga Robotics is leading the transition from chemical and carbon intensive agriculture toward a new generation of electric, autonomous, low impact farming systems.
Through its Thorvald platform, Saga is pioneering ‘Farming with Light’, using precisely delivered UV-C light to control crop disease, reduce reliance on chemical fungicides and eliminate many of the heavy tractor passes traditionally required throughout the growing season.
Purpose-built for vineyards and soft fruit, Thorvald combines autonomous field operations with continuous crop intelligence to help growers produce healthier, higher-quality crops with significantly fewer chemical inputs and lower carbon emissions.
The result is a new standard for agriculture: crops that are ‘Light Grown’, grown with light, lighter on chemicals, lighter on carbon and lighter on the land. Saga Robotics is redefining how food is grown: cleaner, smarter and built for the future of farming.
