Agri Automation & Robotics

CALIFORNIA, USA – January 22, 2026: Saga Robotics today announced the appointment of Caine Thompson as General Manager for U.S. operations, effective January 26, 2026, as the company accelerates commercial expansion of its autonomous Thorvald UV-C agricultural robotics platform.

During the 2025 California wine grape season, Saga Robotics achieved a tenfold increase in acres under treatment, marking a major milestone in the adoption of chemical-free disease control in vineyards. Building on this momentum, the company expects to nearly triple treated acreage again in 2026.

Leadership Strengthening US Expansion:
Caine Thompson brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across agriculture, sustainability, and commercial operations in the United States and New Zealand. He most recently served as General Manager and Head of Sustainability at O’Neill Vintners & Distillers, where he led large-scale operational growth and regenerative farming initiatives.

Thompson is widely recognized in the wine industry, including being named one of Wine Enthusiast’s Future 40 and a Wine Business Monthly Sustainability Steward.

“Chemical-free winegrowing is the holy grail of sustainable viticulture. Thorvald represents a rare technological breakthrough that lowers the barrier to organic and regenerative winegrowing,” said Caine Thompson.

Saga Robotics CEO Sacha de La Noë added that Thompson’s operational discipline and commercial expertise make him ideally suited to lead US growth as demand for sustainable disease control accelerates.

Strategic Investment & Leadership Transition:
Founder Pål Johan From will transition to the role of Chief Growth Officer, focusing on strategic partnerships, technology development, and market expansion while remaining actively involved through mid-2026.

Saga Robotics also announced Xinomavro as a new strategic investor. The wine-focused AgTech investment fund strengthens Saga Robotics’ capital base and adds deep sector expertise.

“Saga Robotics is addressing one of the wine industry’s most pressing challenges with a practical and transformative solution,” said Guillaume De Pracomtal of Xinomavro.

Saga Robotics currently operates a fleet of 150+ autonomous units, delivering weekly UV-C and AI-driven data services across vineyards in the US and strawberry farms in the UK.