Guangzhou-based agricultural robotics maker sees massive domestic, global growth potential

Gong Jiaqin, co-founder of XAG Co Ltd, a global leader in agricultural robotics based in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, said that the urgent shift toward mechanization in agriculture worldwide presents promising growth opportunities for the company.

Citing labor shortages and the mounting challenges posed by climate change as key driving forces, he told a media tour on Monday that the trend toward mechanizing cultivation tasks is not only inevitable, but essential for the future of agriculture.

Since 2013, the company has developed agricultural robots that he said are efficient, affordable, and applicable to more agricultural scenarios. The company's products range from agricultural drones, unmanned vehicles, and smart farm Internet of Things devices to comprehensive smart agriculture solutions.

Currently, XAG's business covers 70 countries and regions worldwide, including Southeast Asia, South America, North America, and Europe. According to Frost & Sullivan, in 2024, XAG ranked second in the global agricultural robotics and agricultural drone industries with market shares of 10.7 percent and 17.1 percent, respectively.

Gong noted that the adoption of agricultural drones in China is still in its early stages, with only about 8 percent of farmland equipped with such devices, meaning that more than 90 percent of farmland still lacks drone technology, offering significant growth potential in the Chinese market.

Globally, the market for agricultural robots presents even broader opportunities. In particular, Brazil and the United States are the largest single-country markets for XAG, each with vast agricultural land. XAG's drone systems, initially developed for China, are well-suited to the vast, flat landscapes of these regions, he said.

Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia are experiencing the fastest growth in demand for advanced agricultural technology, highlighting regional expansion opportunities, he added.

Currently, XAG's overseas business accounts for about 35 percent of its total revenues and is growing rapidly. The company expects this figure to exceed 40 percent by next year at the latest and, by 2028, overseas revenue may surpass domestic business, Gong said.

In September 2025, XAG submitted its prospectus to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, seeking a listing on the main board. The company plans to use the IPO proceeds to develop advanced agricultural robot products — covering all aspects of crop management — to enhance market share, brand recognition, and maintain its leadership in the agricultural robotics sector, according to the company.