AgEagle expands Brazil presence as drone technology boosts sugarcane productivity

AgEagle Aerial Systems is expanding its footprint in Latin America through a new deployment of drone and sensor technologies with Atvos Agroindustrial, one of Brazil’s largest producers of sugarcane-based ethanol, sugar, and renewable energy.

The Kansas-based drone manufacturer has supplied Atvos with five eBee X drones, each equipped with MicaSense S.O.D.A. 3D mapping cameras. The unmanned aerial systems (UAS) will be used across Atvos’ 1.2 million acres of sugarcane fields to support high-resolution crop analysis and targeted weed control. The deployment is part of AgEagle’s international growth strategy as demand for data-driven tools in agriculture continues to rise.

“This partnership demonstrates how aerial platforms like ours can add operational value in industrial-scale farming while supporting our broader expansion plans,” said Bill Irby, AgEagle’s chief executive, in a statement.

The drone systems will support two core applications. The first involves crop failure analysis using drone imagery and proprietary algorithms to detect planting gaps larger than 50 centimeters (about 20 inches). The second supports pre-harvest weed mapping to guide herbicide applications. According to AgEagle, these capabilities can reduce chemical use, lower input costs, and minimize environmental impact.

Drone flights typically occur 60 to 90 days after planting, generating high-resolution maps with three-centimeter spatial accuracy. The maps are integrated into the autopilot systems of agricultural machinery, improving field navigation and reducing crop damage and soil compaction. Initial findings suggest the technology could lead to a 5% increase in yields.

The initiative aligns with Atvos’ R$11 billion (approximately $1.89 billion) investment plan to expand its biofuel operations. The company has signaled a broader commitment to modernization and sustainability as global competition intensifies in the renewable energy market.

Brazil’s agriculture sector has seen increased adoption of drone-based technologies in recent years, particularly among large-scale producers of soy, sugar, and ethanol. Companies including XAG and DJI have also expanded operations in the region, reflecting broader industry momentum toward automation and precision farming.

AgEagle, founded in 2010, initially focused on fixed-wing drones for agricultural imaging. It has since evolved into a full-service provider of UAS hardware, sensors, and software, serving sectors including energy, infrastructure, and government. The company operates three Centers of Excellence focused on flight systems, imaging technologies, and analytics.

The Atvos deployment marks a strategic foothold in one of the world’s largest biofuel markets and underscores AgEagle’s efforts to diversify its customer base and scale its international operations.