Reservoir today announced its pilot expansion into Arizona with a new location live and operational on October 1, 2026, in time for the fall and winter growing season. Developed in collaboration with the University of Arizona’s Yuma Center for Excellence in Desert Agriculture (YCEDA) and the Yuma Agricultural Center (YAC), Reservoir will extend the company’s on-farm innovation model into one of the nation’s most important specialty crop regions.
By placing the Yuma Agricultural Center at the center of the Arizona effort, Reservoir is strengthening the connection between field research, commercial production and startup development. This expansion builds on a longstanding relationship between the agricultural industries of Salinas and Yuma. Often called Salinas's "sister city," Yuma grows an estimated 90% of the nation's leafy greens during the winter season, from November through March.
Reservoir is a new rural institution that combines an agricultural innovation platform with a venture capital fund to advance the impact of rugged AI in critical industries, especially agriculture. Reservoir Farms are the world’s first on-farm robotics innovation centers, starting in the Salinas Valley and expanding to other key regions across California and the American West. Reservoir VC backs startups solving real problems in specialty crops that compound to other outdoor industries and across the rugged physical AI stack. By combining R&D space, hands-on grower input, and early-stage capital, Reservoir helps turn promising ideas into tools for the growers who feed the world. Learn more at https://reservoir.co.
The announcement underscores the importance of Yuma as a critical hub for winter vegetable production. With the pilot, Reservoir aims to accelerate the deployment of physical AI technologies—such as autonomous tractors, robotic harvesters, and sensor systems—tailored to the unique challenges of desert agriculture. The collaboration with YCEDA and YAC ensures that research insights directly inform commercial applications, bridging the gap between academic studies and real-world farming.
This initiative also highlights the growing interdependence between California’s Salinas Valley and Arizona’s Yuma region, which together supply a significant portion of the nation’s fresh produce year-round. By operating in both regions, Reservoir can test and refine technologies across different climates and growing conditions, making solutions more robust and scalable.
The implications of this pilot are far-reaching. If successful, it could demonstrate how physical AI can increase efficiency, reduce labor costs, and improve yields in specialty crops—sectors that have traditionally lagged in automation. Moreover, by involving growers directly in the innovation process, Reservoir ensures that new tools address practical needs, increasing the likelihood of adoption. As the global population grows and climate pressures mount, such innovations may become essential for maintaining a stable food supply.
For more information, view the full announcement including downloadable images and bios here.
