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TRIC Robotics

TRIC Robotics

Autonomous UV-C strawberry pest control

Robot Technician Intern

Summer 2026Posted on 4/21/2026
No salary listed
Internship
Bachelor's, Associate's, Certification
Santa Maria, CA, USA
In Person

On-site internship in Santa Maria, CA; field and lab work required

About the job

Requirements
  • High school diploma or equivalent is required; a technical certification or associate degree is a plus.
  • Comfortable installing software and drivers, and using computer peripherals in a Windows and/or Linux environment.
  • Experience with single-board computers or microcontrollers such as Raspberry Pi or Arduino is a significant advantage.
  • Familiarity with computer programming languages such as Python and C/C++ is beneficial.
  • Proficiency using hand tools, power tools, and basic diagnostic equipment such as digital multimeters, measurement calipers, and soldering irons.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics.
  • Basic understanding of electrical circuits and wiring.
  • Comfortable working on your feet for extended periods.
  • Ability to occasionally lift 30–50 pounds.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to meticulously follow verbal and written instructions.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills with a proactive approach.
  • Ability to thrive both independently and as a collaborative team member.
Responsibilities
  • Execute assigned tasks independently while seeking guidance and advice from engineers and team members as needed.
  • Conduct experiments and data collection in both indoor lab/shop settings and outdoor field environments.
  • Maintain clear communication by regularly monitoring work email, calendar, and direct messages for meetings and task updates.
  • Provide timely updates to your supervisor on work progress and any encountered challenges.
  • Accurately document data collection procedures and ensure data is properly backed up on shared company drives.
  • Adhere to safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized work area.

About the company

TRIC Robotics offers an automated, chemical-free pest control service for strawberry farms. Its autonomous UV-C robot travels through fields, applying a specific wavelength of light to treat pathogens without harming plants or the environment. The system operates by self-navigating the fields and delivering targeted treatment, provided as a deploy-and-operate service rather than selling equipment. The goal is to create a more sustainable and predictable future for agriculture by reducing chemical use and helping growers manage pests on-site.

Company Size

11-50

Company Stage

Seed

Total Funding

$7.4M

Headquarters

Newark, New Jersey

Founded

2017

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • In August 2026, TRIC said it treated 1,500 California strawberry acres.
  • TRIC's 2026 site says 15 robots operate commercially, up from nine in 2025.
  • Seed funding and expansion toward Oxnard and Watsonville support fleet growth.

What critics are saying

  • UV-C treats mites and fungi, but not motile insects, limiting stand-alone efficacy.
  • TRIC remains concentrated in strawberries, so one bad California season hurts growth.
  • If maintenance-heavy robots fail nightly, growers revert to cheaper chemical programs.

What makes TRIC Robotics unique

  • Nighttime UV-C and bug-vacuum robots replace sprays on strawberry fields.
  • Robots-as-a-service removes farmer capex and fits nightly farm downtime.
  • USDA-backed research and peer-reviewed results support mite and fungus control.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Flexible Work Hours

Profit Sharing

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

0%

1 year growth

0%

2 year growth

6%
RoboPhil
Jul 24th, 2025
Robot Revolution in Farming - TRIC Robotics Raises $5.5M to Eliminate Pesticides with UV Tech!

TRIC Robotics has just raised $5.5 million in seed funding to tackle one of farming's biggest challenges - pest and disease control - without relying on harmful chemicals.

News Directory
Jul 23rd, 2025
TRIC Robotics Secures Seed Funding for AgTech

TRIC Robotics has closed its seed funding round to advance its agricultural robots, which offer sustainable pest and disease control. The company's autonomous robots use AI and sensors for early threat detection and precise treatment application, reducing pesticide use and providing 24/7 crop monitoring. The funding will enhance R&D, manufacturing, and scalability, reflecting strong investor confidence in TRIC Robotics' innovative solutions for the agricultural sector.

WTWH Media LLC
Jul 23rd, 2025
TRIC Robotics secures $5.5M for pest control

TRIC Robotics has raised $5.5 million in seed funding to expand its autonomous robots for pest and plant disease control, starting with strawberries. The company's robots use ultraviolet light and vacuum technology to reduce pesticide use by up to 70% without harming the environment. The funding will help TRIC Robotics grow its team and expand its capabilities and regions. The company offers its technology as a service, providing data-driven insights and real-time field analytics.

Delaware Sustainable Chemistry Alliance
Apr 1st, 2025
Tric Robotics Wins DTIP Grant

Tric Robotics, a Newark startup that has designed a robot to autonomously treat strawberry crops with UVC light instead of pesticides, has won the state's Delaware Technical Innovation Program (DTIP) grant.

California Office of the Small Business Advocate
Apr 1st, 2025
TRIC Robotics

State of California

INACTIVE