Technology
John Deere Ventures into Robotic Farm Tractors
Published
4 years agoon
John Deere has long been a big name in agricultural, forestry, and construction machinery. And their current acquisition suggests that they’re traversing a path towards farm automation.
The American corporation is set to acquire Bear Flag Robotics, a Silicon Valley-based startup that creates autonomous farm tractors. And with a deal amounting to a whopping $250 million, the founders are celebrating the deal, for sure.
The startup, founded in 2017, became a member of Y Combinator’s Winter 2018 funding cycle. During that time, co-founder Aubrey Donnellan told TechCrunch that their solutions come from actual situations in farms.
According to Donnellan, the workforce is aging out, and skilled labor is the farms’ central pain point. The workforce is either leaving the US or joining other fields. Whether it’s one or the other, farms need a lasting fix.
Prior to the deal, John Deere tapped the startup for its Startup Collaborator project in 2019. Under the project, the Bay Area-based firm started to deploy its tech to a number of sites within the country.
John Deere’s Path to Creating Smarter Machines
The machinery giant may be taking a turn toward a more high-tech approach to its products. Given the John Deere history of building a self-scouring steel plow in 1837, the firm has surely gone far and still continues to evolve through time.
In a press release, John Deere CEO Jahmy Hindman said that the firm sees autonomy as a crucial step in giving farmers a boost in resources. Hindman also stressed that the technology would help farms enjoy bigger profits and produce better market output.
John Deere is confident about Bear Flag’s knowledge and skills in providing advanced tech. The firm believes that coupled with Deere’s autonomy express and dealer channel; the purchase is a great step to “address the immense challenge of feeding a growing world.”
According to Bear Flag Robotics co-founder and CEO Igino Cafiero, autonomy can provide a productive and safe way to address the challenge of a dwindling workforce. They believe that farming tech can advance the mission of stepping up global food production. At the same time, it can also reduce food costs through the use of machine automation.
The startup’s team consists not only of tech experts but also those who have had neck-deep experience in agriculture. As a result, they’re able to come up with tech focused on sensors, fusion, and data, coupled with hardware.
Following the deal, Bear Flag will remain in Silicon Valley but will work hand-in-hand with its new mother firm to come up with farming solutions.
The Future of Farming
Over the past year, a lot of robot-tech firms have focused on agri-tech. After all, the Covid-19 pandemic has only worsened the shortage in skilled labor. However, that doesn’t mean that all agri-tech firms have it easy amid the pandemic.
For instance, tech firm Abundant, which created apple-picking robot tech, recently announced their closure. A statement from the firm said it wasn’t able to raise enough funding to continue its product development. This, despite being able to launch a series of good trials in the market.
The event only goes to show that tech growth and fund-raising are equally crucial in agri-tech. After all, growing a robot tech can be quite pricey and would be hard to sustain without enough resources. That said, Bear Flag surely hit the jackpot with added assets from its new owner.
On the other side of the coin, John Deere also has a lot to gain from the deal. After all, it will help achieve its long-term goal of staying as a major machinery player.
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Technology
The Best Telescopes of 2025 for the BEST Viewing Experience
Published
6 days agoon
July 24, 2025The James Webb telescope caused quite a stir when it was launched in 2021. More so when the first pictures from it were released to the public, causing major stargazing envy for us who don’t have access to something that spectacular. For all the astrophiles out there, wouldn’t it be great to get your hands on something similar? Here is our list of the best telescopes of 2025.
1. Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ
If you’re new to stargazing and planet viewing, the Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ is one of the best telescopes in 2025. Many experts recommend this telescope for beginner and experienced stargazers. It’s easy to set up because of the tripod and user-friendly controls.
Technical specs and inclusions:
- 102 mm primary mirror
- StarPointer red dot finderscope
- Two eyepieces
- Lightweight and sturdy frame
- Tripod
Price: $269.66
Buy it on Amazon here.
2. Sky-watcher Skymax 127
Sky-watcher is another popular name in the telescope biz. Astrophotographers can surely get a bang for their buck with this telescope because of the crisp images it produces. Even on the darkest nights, stargazers can definitely see planets and stars thanks to a coated corrector plate.
Technical specs and inclusions:
- Borosilicate primary mirror
- Vixen-style dovetail
- 2-in 28 mm eyepiece
- 90-degree star diagonal
- 6×30 finderscope
Price: $610
Buy it on Amazon here.
3. Vaonis Stellina
Although many stargazers swear by traditional telescopes, The Vaonis Stellina changed the game on its release. It’s an automatic telescope that takes photos of the sky for you. You can see beautiful views of deep-sky objects like galaxies and nebulae. Plus, you’ll even get a better glimpse of the moon.
Unlike most telescopes, the Stellina isn’t heavy. It’s so small and light you can pretty much bring it anywhere. However, it being an automatic telescope means you will have to pay a much higher price than its competitors. Still, it’s considered one of the best telescopes in 2025.
Technical Specs and inclusions:
- 5 hours of use
- Tripod
- 80 mm aperture
- 400 mm focal length
- 3096 x 2080 px images
Price: $1,409
Buy it on eBay here.
4. Celestron Starsense Explorer DX 130AZ
Here’s another Celestron that made this list. But what makes the Celestron Starsense Explore DX 130 AZ different from the AstroMaster AZ? You can connect the Starsense Explore to an app, and it tells you the locations of certain stars in space. Plus, you’ll know what stars and planets are in the sky, depending on where you’re pointing this telescope at.
The app is compatible with all iOS and Android devices.
Technical Specs and inclusions:
- 130 mm optical tube
- two eyepieces (25 mm and 10 mm Kellner eyepieces)
- Red dot finderscope
- Smartphone dock
- Tripod
Price: $354.05
Buy it on Amazon here.
5. Orion SpaceProbe II
If you want another beginner-friendly telescope, the Orion SpaceProbe II is one of your best options. It’s one of the most affordable telescopes, and kids and adults can use the SpaceProbe II to navigate the skies and watch stars and planets. You can even see a better view of the Moon, Saturn’s rings, and Jupiter’s moons!
Technical Specs and inclusions:
- 76 mm aperture
- Newtonian optical design
- Red-dot reflex sight
- MoonMap 260
Price: $99.99
Buy it on Amazon here.
And for other stories and news, read more here at Owner’s Mag!
Have you wondered if buying an electric scooter for short rides is a worthwhile investment? As more people and communities turn to alternative transportation, the shift is often driven by a desire to reduce their carbon footprints and enjoy added convenience. This growing trend has many asking the question, “should I buy an electric scooter?” From electric bikes to unicycles, there’s a lot you can learn and gain when choosing an e-scooter for your daily commute.
Learning to ride a scooter is easy
To learn how to ride your electric scooter is surprisingly easy. The learning curve is so low you can start cruising down the road in a short time. The Gotrax GXL V2 e-scooter is a good choice for beginners. It is affordable at just around $349 and can get you to work and back in a single charge. If you’re wondering whether you should buy an electric scooter, this model is a great place to start.
Once you finish the easy assembly and four-hour charging, you can already use it. It has the usual handbrake and bell on the left side. On the right sits a thumb throttle which you simply turn to gain speed and keep your balance.
You should lower your speed when stopping. This is because the higher your speed is when braking will result in the tires wearing out quickly. You will then need maintenance which can be expensive.
Turing is easy, but you need to do it with care. With both hands on the handlebars, signaling may not be possible. This is why many high-end e-scooters have features with light-up signals for this purpose.
Get additional but helpful features
Some considerations include features such as the signal lights mentioned above, suspensions, thicker tires, or more powerful motors. These will help you navigate bumpy roads, steep inclines, and uneven terrain.
When buying e-scooters, you should also consider the battery, waterproofing of the scooter, or portability. These are investments that can make your rides safer and more comfortable.
Consider your city’s laws
Before buying that electric scooter, check out your town or city’s laws about speed limits or the use of these EVs in general. Most budget-friendly scooters can travel up to25 km/h, but it’s still a good idea to know what your limitations are to prevent problems with the law.
Nighttime riding can also be a cause for concern if you plan on doing much of it. You may have to invest in headlights and reflectors to safely enjoy riding at night. You can also get helmets that already have lights and reflectors on them.
An electric scooter is faster and fun
Not only will you see huge savings on gas, but you’ll also be enjoying your rides with an electric scooter. These may be the two main reasons the EV craze has hit many towns and cities. The feel of the wind on your whole body while on it gives an exhilarating feeling that driving a car won’t ever duplicate.
Getting out of traffic quickly and efficiently is also a perk of having to ride an e-scooter. If you don’t have a lot to carry, an e-scooter is the best mode of transportation for short rides. However, you can also opt for a bag attachment that will allow you to bring a few items and small cargo when riding.
You’ll be addicted to it
Be warned: casual riding in your electric scooter can be addicting and leave you wanting more. This may be the exact reason add-ons are popular, while upgrading to higher-end models seems to be the norm for some people. After a few rides, you would see yourself wanting to get a particular feature and opting for more power and speed. So, as an answer to the question, should I buy an electric scooter? You should say yes!
Technology
Best Workflow Mapping Tools for Smarter Business Processes
Published
2 weeks agoon
July 18, 2025Workflow or process mapping remains a vital strategy for managing and optimizing daily operations in any organization. By using symbols and shapes to illustrate tasks, decisions, and processes, workflow maps help teams visualize their work and identify areas for improvement.
Today, a wide range of workflow mapping tools are available, many of them free or affordable, offering smart, fast, and collaborative ways to streamline your business. Below are the top nine workflow mapping tools to help you stay organized, efficient, and ahead of the curve.
1. MindMeister
MindMeister is a collaborative workflow mapping tool ideal for brainstorming and process planning. It allows real-time collaboration with customizable diagrams. However, the free version limits you to three mind maps. Upgrading unlocks unlimited maps, export options, and team features.
Key Features
- Real-time collaboration
- Auto-generated mind map layouts
- Customizable themes and structure
Pricing
- Basic – Free
- Personal – $3.50/month
- Pro – $5.50/month
- Business – $8.50/month
2. GitMind
Here’s another workflow mapping software that you can use for free. GitMind is a powerful workflow mapping tool for teams and individuals. It comes with dozens of templates and customization options for creating mind maps, flowcharts, and more. It’s compatible with browsers, Windows, and Mac, and now includes improved team collaboration options.
Features
- Flexible shape, font, and color customization
- Template library for quick design
- Project sharing via link
- Exports to multiple formats
Pricing
- Basic – $4.08/month billed annually
- Pro – $5.75/month billed annually
- Ultra – $11.58/month, billed annually
- Business – $170.00/month, billed annually (10 seats)
3. Creately
Creately remains a favorite workflow mapping tool for remote teams. It supports business process modeling with real-time collaboration and dozens of industry-specific templates. It works across desktop, web, and mobile platforms.
Features
- Remote collaboration and commenting
- Industry-specific templates (marketing, engineering, etc.)
- Works online and offline
- Real-time syncing
Pricing
- Personal – $5/month
- Team – $5/month
- Business – $89 /month
- Enterprise – custom pricing
4. Gliffy
Gliffy is a beginner-friendly workflow mapping tool known for its intuitive interface. It’s ideal for users who want to quickly design flowcharts and diagrams with minimal learning curve.
Features
- Drag-and-drop design with themes
- Version control and undo history
- Easy sharing for social media or team collaboration
Pricing
Gliffy Diagrams for Confluence
- Up to 10 Users – Free
- 11-100 Users – $3.80/month per user, billed annually
Gliffy Diagrams for Jira
- Up to 10 Users – Free
- 11-100 Users – 3.80/month per user, billed annually
5. Visual Paradigm
Unlike other workflow mapping tools in our list, Visual Paradigm helps users to visualize organizational processes while enjoying IT development features. It’s a robust workflow mapping tool for IT and software development teams. It supports UML, BPMN, and SysML diagrams and includes animation features for dynamic presentations.
Features
- Tools for Agile and enterprise modeling
- Supports UML, BPMN, SysML
- Diagram animations for presentations
Pricing
Subscription:
- Modeler – $6/month
- Standard – $19/month
- Professional – $35/month
- Enterprise – $89/month
Perpetual:
- Modeler – $99/month
- Standard – $349/month
- Professional – $799/month
- Enterprise – $1999/month
6. Google Drawings
Google Drawings is a free and easy-to-use workflow mapping tool that integrates seamlessly with Google Drive. It’s ideal for basic flowcharts and diagrams without advanced features.
Features
- Cloud-based with autosave
- Basic shapes and connectors
- Unlimited storage via Google Drive
Pricing
Free
7. Canva
Canva has evolved into a comprehensive workflow mapping tool with stunning visuals and drag-and-drop simplicity. It includes a growing collection of flowchart templates and AI design tools. Though there are a number of Canva alternatives out there, it continues to be one of the top graphic design platforms online.
Features
- Beautiful templates for process maps
- Upload and embed attachments
- Team collaboration and brand kits
Pricing
- Canva Free – $0
- Canva Pro – $120 per year
- Canva for Teams –$300 per year for 3 persons
8. Cacoo
Cacoo is a real-time collaborative workflow mapping tool designed for teams. It includes multi-user editing, cloud storage, and integration with popular project management platforms.
Features
- Simultaneous editing
- Activity tracking
- Exports to PNG, PDF, etc.
Pricing
- Free
- Pro – $6.00 per month
- Team – $6.00 per user per month, up to 1,000 users
9. Visme
Visme is a versatile workflow mapping tool that blends design and data. It allows users to build animated diagrams, infographics, and presentations with interactivity and branded design.
Features
- Create animated and interactive process maps
- Public, private, or password-protected content
- Online and offline support
Pricing
- Basic – Free
- Starter -$12.25/month, billed yearly
- Pro – $24.75/month, billed yearly
- Visme for Teams – contact sales
Final Thoughts
Workflow mapping tools are your key to successful work management. It enables you to spot flaws quickly and, as a result, enhance your workflow processes. Also, they let you avoid mistakes, design workflows or procedures faster, and provide quality products and services. The majority of these tools can be used for free.
However, you’ll need to purchase premium subscriptions to gain full access to some of these tools. It might be best to test them out first and see if it works for your needs (check if they offer free trials) before committing to a subscrption.