It was a simple, yet powerful, challenge that launched a father-son duo to invent a life-saving robot.

A farmer in rural Nebraska, told Chad Johnson and his son Ben they needed to invent something to keep farmers out of grain bins. The Johnsons were experienced in robotics.

So Chad, a teacher by trade with no knowledge of the ag industry, said “challenge accepted.”

That’s when the Grain Weevil was born.

Simply put, the Grain Weevil is a mobile robot that uses augers to move the device around. And because the robot can level the grain, break up crust, and more, it means that humans do not have to enter the dangerous confinements.

According to the National Feed and Grain Association, there were 42 fatal and non-fatal grain entrapment cases documented in 2022, nearly 40% of which were fatal.

“Our goal is to build a tool so that you never have to place your boots inside a grain bin where there’s grain,” Chad said.

Chad and his son, Ben, run the company together. He reveals the challenges of separating family and business and shares tips for those who run family businesses.

About Building Nebraska:

We are a podcast for dreamers AND do-ers. We’ll ignite your passion for entrepreneurship and showcase those who turn ideas into reality. Powered by the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

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Connect with Grain Weevil: https://www.grainweevil.com/

Learn more about the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program: https://engler.unl.edu/

Check out more podcasts produced by the Rural Radio Network: https://ruralradio.com/podcasts/