Case Study

Transforming grain storage efficiency with Crover

Inconsistent grain storage conditions have long posed a challenge for the brewing and distilling industries, leading to spoilage and waste while compromising the quality of cereals essential for production. Seeking a solution to this costly issue, Crover developed the world’s first robotic grain monitoring system, capable of “swimming” through stored grain to monitor moisture, temperature, and storage conditions from within the silo. This pioneering technology enables early detection of spoilage risks, ensuring grain quality while significantly reducing waste. Crover’s success was supported by Heriot-Watt's collaborative innovation approach, providing access to advanced testbeds and analytical tools similar to those planned for the CSBD’s Raw Materials Lab and Sensory Suite. The company worked closely with Heriot-Watt’s science and engineering specialists, who offered insight and technical guidance to refine the system for real-world industry use. Co-located with other startups and researchers, Crover also benefited from knowledge exchange with sustainability experts, helping them explore broader applications in supply chain optimisation. This partnership has driven measurable results, with Crover achieving up to a 40% reduction in grain waste due to improved monitoring precision. The company has since secured funding for mass production and expanded into global markets, demonstrating how academic collaboration can fuel both sustainability progress and commercial success.