We recently had the privilege of speaking with Andrew Coppin, CEO and founder of Ranchbot, to learn more about the company’s innovative products designed for remotely monitoring water levels in tanks and troughs. Andrew joined us at the Uvalco Supply - Uvalde office, where he sat down for an interview with Kelton Eason. Below is a summary of their conversation.
Q: What is a "connected tank" in the context of ranching?
A: A connected tank refers to a water storage tank on a ranch that is connected to the internet using a remote monitoring device. This allows ranchers to know the water levels in those tanks without having to physically go there. The system can also alert ranchers when water levels are too high, too low, or falling too fast, enabling them to address problems proactively.
Q: Why is it important for ranchers to have connected tanks and a product like RanchBot?
A: Tens of thousands of people in Texas alone drive to check water tanks daily, even though 95% of the time the water levels are fine. Ranchers do this for the 5% of the time when water is critical for livestock. By using RanchBot, ranchers can save significant time and money by not having to constantly check tanks unnecessarily. It also helps with the challenges of finding reliable and affordable labor, as well as reducing fuel and vehicle wear and tear. This technology provides peace of mind by giving ranchers real-time alerts about their water assets, which is crucial for livestock health, especially during harsh weather conditions. Many customers report getting their investment back within six months due to these savings.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about the history of RanchBot?
A: RanchBot's early versions were test-driven and developed in the harsh and remote environment of Australia, where it is now used on over 5,000 ranches. The company launched in the USA in February 2024 and moved all manufacturing to Richardson, Texas. The head office is now in Fort Worth, and their support team is also Texas-based. While developed in Australia, RanchBot is now being built out in the USA, with nearly a thousand ranches currently using the system in the US.
Q: What does the future hold for “connected tank” technology on ranches?
A: Remote water monitoring is just the beginning of a new wave of technology for ranches. He envisions a future where ranchers have a remote control for the ranch, allowing them to monitor and control various aspects from their cell phone or office. This includes not only water levels but also rain gauges, water pressure, water flow, cameras, and remote pump control. The system operates via satellite, so cellular communication is not required. This technology is moving beyond experimentation to become a valuable tool for saving ranches significant money.
Q: Can multiple devices be connected within the RanchBot system? How does that work?
A: Yes, the RanchBot system uses a hub and spoke model where one RanchBot hub can communicate with up to 15 different devices within a three to five-mile line of sight. Placing the main RanchBot unit on a high point allows it to communicate with other water storages and troughs. This setup helps to reduce overall operational costs. Ranchers can think of it as a toolkit for remotely managing their ranch, where they can choose and use the tools (devices and functionalities) that are most relevant to their needs, similar to choosing apps for a smartphone.
Q: Are there other uses for RanchBot monitors besides on traditional ranches?
A: Absolutely. RanchBot technology has several applications beyond traditional cattle ranches. It is being used to monitor water for wildlife and game in parks and game reserves, as well as liquid fertilizer on pivots. It's also valuable for monitoring water storage for fire prevention and even for casual ranchers at their holiday homes to ensure water availability. Furthermore, RanchBot can monitor other liquids such as diesel storage tanks, liquid fertilizer, and liquid feed, indicating a wide range of potential applications.