Toro Co. invests in Boston-based developer of drone technology for turf grass

The Toro Co., a Bloomington-based provider of mowers and irrigation systems for golf courses around the world, has made a minority equity investment in a Boston company that develops technology for automated drones to analyze turf grass.

Terms of Toro’s investment was not disclosed.

Boston-based GreenSight Agronomics combines automated drones and sensors for remote analysis of turf grass and farm land. The tech company’s software allows workers to use thermal mapping and detection analytics to best pinpoint irrigation, fertilizer and pesticide needs on golf courses.

“As the golf industry expands its efforts to improve play and more efficiently use water, the application and advancement of technology will play a vital role,” said Philip Burkart, vice president of Toro’s irrigation and lighting businesses, in a statement.

Bloomington-based Toro (NYSE: TTC) reported $2.42 billion in revenue in 2016, making the company Minnesota’s 20th-largest public company when ranked by revenue.