Innovators
Arthur Erickson, Co-Founder of Hylio – Innovator Series
Arthur Erickson, co-founder and CEO of Hylio, stands at the forefront of a new era in agriculture. He is leading the charge to modernize farming through autonomous drone systems. His journey from aerospace engineering student to pioneering agtech entrepreneur showcases how technical expertise, when paired with vision, can create transformative impact.
Academic and Technical Foundations of Arthur Erickson
Arthur Erickson’s interest in drones began during his first year at the University of Texas at Austin, where he studied aerospace engineering. Early on, he recognized the potential of unmanned aerial systems in real-world applications. In 2015, while still completing their degrees, Erickson and classmates Nikhil Dixit and Mike Oda founded Hylio.
In 2017, Erickson graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, specializing in aeronautics. His academic background gave him the skills to turn Hylio from a student project into a real-world solution for farmers.
Founding and Building Hylio with Arthur Erickson
Hylio began as a drone delivery startup. Erickson and his team launched pilot programs in Costa Rica to test their technology. However, the logistical challenges of delivery led them to pivot. They saw a greater need—and opportunity—in agriculture.
By 2018, Hylio had shifted its focus to drone-based crop spraying. The company started offering services in Central America, eventually expanding to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. This new direction allowed them to deliver immediate value to farmers facing labor shortages and inefficiencies.
Arthur Erickson’s Role in Hylio’s Autonomous Agricultural Systems
As CEO, Arthur Erickson led Hylio’s transition into precision agriculture. He focused on developing autonomous drones that allow farmers to program GPS waypoints for accurate spraying. These systems not only reduce labor costs but also increase application efficiency.
Most notably, Hylio secured a groundbreaking FAA exemption. It allows a single operator to control up to three drones over 55 pounds—without the need for visual observers. This marked a critical step forward for drone swarm technology in agriculture.
Milestones Achieved Under Arthur Erickson’s Vision
Thanks to Erickson’s leadership, Hylio has reached several key milestones:
- Domestic Manufacturing: Hylio is one of the few U.S.-based companies designing and manufacturing agricultural drones domestically. This ensures regulatory compliance and reduces dependence on foreign components.
- Steady Growth: Since 2018, the company has grown consistently. Annual sales have increased by 30–40%, and in some years, sales have doubled.
- Lower Costs for Farmers: Hylio’s systems save farmers an estimated 25% or more in labor and material costs when compared to traditional methods.
- Support for Small-Scale Operators: Hylio’s accessible pricing and intuitive technology enable agtech entrepreneurs and small farms to compete with larger operations.
Thought Leadership and Industry Influence
Arthur Erickson actively champions the role of technology in transforming agriculture. He frequently highlights how drones can address labor shortages, improve accuracy in spraying, and promote sustainable practices.
Through interviews and speaking engagements, Erickson emphasizes the importance of user-friendly, high-impact tools for farmers. He believes that bridging the gap between advanced technology and day-to-day farming challenges is the key to long-term adoption.
Arthur Erickson’s Vision for the Future of Agricultural Autonomy
Looking to the future, Erickson envisions fully autonomous farming systems. He expects drones to handle not just spraying, but also planting, monitoring, and eventually harvesting.
Additionally, he foresees greater advancements in drone swarm coordination and payload capacity. These improvements will expand what drones can do, making them central tools in modern agriculture.
Closing Insights
Arthur Erickson’s path—from student innovator to CEO—illustrates the power of technical innovation backed by entrepreneurial commitment. Through Hylio, he is making autonomous agricultural drones a practical, scalable solution.
By tackling real-world problems like rising input costs and labor shortages, Erickson’s work is helping farmers increase efficiency, stay competitive, and adopt more sustainable practices. His vision continues to shape the future of agriculture—one flight at a time.
