Birk Akselsønn Systad developed technology for the next-generation spacesuits, but his childhood dream of working in agriculture never left him. Now he combines his experience from the space industry with his interest in agriculture through the company Red Fairy. The company’s first initiative aims to convert the animals’ physiological signals into useful insights for farmers and veterinarians. Red Fairy was recently accepted into Aggrator’s incubator.
“When I was a child, I was very clear about what I wanted to be: a farmer. For me, and still is, animals and agriculture are some of the most beautiful things there are,” Systad says.
Gradually, he also developed a strong interest in technology and innovation. He chose to study mechatronics (an interdisciplinary engineering discipline that combines mechanics, electronics, computer science, and control systems). During his studies, he became involved in the development work at the Norwegian space technology company Nåva Space, where he worked on physiological measurements and technology for future space suits.
– At Nåva Space, I discovered how much can be achieved when you dare to experiment, challenge established solutions, and learn from what doesn’t work. This mindset I want to bring into agriculture, says Systad.
The experiences gave him the idea to transfer similar technology to agriculture.
– Red Fairy was born from the meeting between my two great passions: agriculture and technology.
From physiological signals to better decisions
Even experienced farmers cannot always detect what is happening inside the bodies of animals. Health challenges can develop long before they present visible symptoms, which can lead to reduced production, increased costs, and in worst cases, the loss of animals.
Red Fairy's first product concept is a reusable, non-invasive sensor neckband that will monitor cattle continuously, both in the barn and on the pasture.
By combining physiological measurements with information about the animal's behavior, environment, and history, the goal is to identify changes in the health status and provide the farmer with concrete recommendations for further follow-up.
– The goal is not to measure as much as possible, but to translate the signals the animal emits into information that the farmer can actually use, says Systad.
The technology should also allow veterinarians to access the animal's health history over time, as a supplement to the information they receive through individual examinations.
In the longer term, the company sees opportunities to use the technology to understand how, among other things, feeding and the environment affect the animals' health and production.
"We need to add real value and make everyday life easier," emphasizes Systad, who reports on great interest in the concept among the farmers they met at Dyrsku’n in September.
Now the technology is to be tested in practice.
Red Fairy is still in an early development phase and is in dialogue with interested pilot farms. The first goal is to establish close collaboration with a farm in Eastern Norway, where the technology can be developed and tested under realistic conditions.
The company is now working to facilitate the first tests on animals. Initially, the goal is to ensure stable and reliable measurements while ensuring the equipment is robust and comfortable for the animals. Subsequently, the company will investigate how the data can be converted into useful decision support.
Systad is working with veterinarian Melody Hooke, who is based in Scotland, on the development.
Will develop the company further with Aggrator
Through Agregator’s incubator, Red Fairy seeks help with testing and validation, market strategy, and laying the foundation for long-term growth.
The connection to the academic communities at Campus Ås was an important reason why Systad chose Aggrator. He also highlights the incubator’s experience with agritech companies such as Saga Robotics and Kilter.
Johanne Kloster Ellingsen becomes the company's contact person at Aggrator.
For Systad, the ambition is about more than developing new technology.
– I have enormous respect for the farmer and the work that is done in agriculture. I do not want to tell farmers how to run their farms, but to give them new tools that make everyday life easier and more predictable.