The Catalan company WAATIC (Abrera, Baix Llobregat), specializing in the digitalization of the agricultural sector, has introduced its artificial intelligence system to South Africa to optimize the use of phytosanitary products in vineyards and fruit orchards. The SME has signed a commercial agreement with a local distributor to implement its technology in the eastern region of the country.

To expand into the African market, WAATIC has received support from ACCIÓ—the agency for business competitiveness under the Department of Business and Labor—through the Foreign Trade and Investment Office in Johannesburg. The SME participated in two virtual missions, which enabled them to identify the distributor and formalize the contract.

The technology exported by the company consists of an electronic device installed on sprayer machines, operated by tractors, that allows the precise use of phytosanitary products according to the specific needs of each plot. The system adjusts the dosage depending on factors such as the density of foliage in the area being sprayed, the liquid pressure, or whether there are any blockages in the nozzles.

Additionally, the solution monitors all data in real time as the sprayer machine moves, providing information such as the route taken, the product applied at each point, and any issues encountered. This data is stored in the cloud and can be accessed by the farmer via a tablet.

According to WAATIC’s director, Xavier Blasco, “Large-scale producers with extensive agricultural operations highly value this technology because it significantly reduces phytosanitary costs.” He added, “The system can reduce the use of these products by up to 20% without requiring the tractor operator to do anything beyond driving.” Blasco also highlighted, “In South Africa, large producers are in the process of professionalizing their operations to become more competitive, leveraging new technologies to achieve this.”

Founded in 2015 as a spin-off of Estel S.L., WAATIC already has a commercial presence in countries like France, Portugal, Chile, Peru, Italy, Slovenia, and New Zealand. The company expects to double its sales next year, driven by its international expansion.