Jack Kilian

Jack Kilian is the founder of Poultry Patrol, Inc., a company focused on developing autonomous robotics for the poultry industry. He is an electrical engineer who completed his graduate studies at the University of Minnesota. Kilian's work aims to enhance animal welfare and improve efficiency for poultry producers by utilizing robots that can monitor flocks, detect diseases, and manage barn environments.

Kilian designed the Poultry Patrol robot, which is capable of performing various tasks such as turning bedding, monitoring poultry health through video and audio devices, and alerting farmers to potential issues. The robot can operate remotely and is equipped with technology to assess the health of the birds, including thermal imaging to detect signs of illness or mortality.13

In collaboration with his business partner Jack Buendorf, who is studying mathematics and economics at St. Olaf College, Kilian has positioned Poultry Patrol as a contender for significant grants aimed at agricultural innovation. Their project was selected as a finalist in a competition sponsored by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research and McDonald's Corporation, which seeks to promote automation and improve animal welfare in farming.24

Kilian's vision extends beyond poultry, as he sees broader applications for robotics in agriculture, aiming to address various challenges faced by farmers.1