The Hylio AG-230 agricultural drone is a cutting-edge solution designed to enhance crop management and optimize yields. This advanced drone brings high-precision aerial surveillance to farming, enabling better decision-making and more efficient use of resources. Tailored for efficiency in agricultural operations, the AG-230 offers a range of features designed to improve productivity and reduce environmental impact. With its autonomous capabilities and advanced spraying system, the AG-230 is a valuable tool for modern farmers.
By leveraging the AG-230, farmers can achieve consistent coverage, minimize waste, and respond quickly to changing crop conditions. The drone's integration with farm management systems allows for seamless data collection and analysis, providing valuable insights for informed decision-making. Whether it's precision spraying, crop scouting, or seeding, the AG-230 offers a versatile and efficient solution for a wide range of agricultural applications. The AG-230 helps farmers to optimize their operations, reduce costs, and improve overall sustainability.
Key Features
The AG-230 is equipped with a state-of-the-art spraying system, capable of delivering pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers with exceptional accuracy. This precision minimizes waste and environmental impact, ensuring that only the necessary amounts of chemicals are applied to the crops. The adjustable droplet size feature allows for the customization of applications based on the specific needs of the crop, enhancing the effectiveness of treatments and promoting healthier growth. The drone's two 4.0-gallon tanks provide ample capacity for covering large areas, while the electronic flowmeters ensure precise and consistent application rates.
Real-time Kinematic (RTK) positioning allows the AG-230 to achieve centimeter-level precision, ensuring accurate and consistent coverage across fields. This level of accuracy is crucial for targeted applications, reducing the risk of over- or under-spraying and maximizing the effectiveness of treatments. The RTK system utilizes GPS data to maintain precise positioning, even in challenging environments with limited visibility or signal interference. This technology ensures that the drone stays on course and delivers the right amount of chemicals to the right locations.
The AG-230 is also equipped with multiple radar sensors for obstacle avoidance, ensuring safe operation and preventing collisions. These sensors detect obstacles in the drone's path and automatically adjust the flight path to avoid them. This feature is particularly important in complex environments with trees, power lines, or other obstructions. The obstacle avoidance system provides an added layer of safety, protecting the drone and ensuring that it can operate reliably in a variety of conditions. The drone can operate in manual or autonomous modes, providing flexibility for different applications and user preferences.
Furthermore, the AG-230 boasts swarm capability, allowing users to control up to three drones from a single ground station. This feature enables farmers to cover larger areas more efficiently and effectively, maximizing productivity and reducing labor costs. The Hylio GroundLink Controller provides an all-in-one, NDAA compliant ground station solution for comprehensive drone management. The drone also offers high-definition video streaming for crop monitoring and surveillance, allowing farmers to assess crop health and identify potential issues in real-time. Quick-swap nozzle types allow for various applications. The AG-230 is built with aerospace-grade materials for long-lasting performance and reliability.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Flight Time | 8-20 minutes |
| Payload Capacity | 30 liters / 85 lbs |
| Spray System Tank Capacity | 2 x 4.0 gallons |
| Spray Width | 20-35 feet |
| Control Range | Up to 3 miles (typical), 18.5 miles (unobstructed) |
| Dimensions (Arms Unfolded) | 81x81x25 inches |
| Dimensions (Arms Folded) | 44x44x25 inches |
| Weight (Without Batteries) | 61 lb |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | 165 lb |
| Battery Type | 2x 12S 16 Ah (44.4 V) LiPo |
| Battery Weight (Each) | 9 lb |
| Motor KV | 100 rpm/V |
| Propeller Size | 30 x 9 inches |
| Nozzle Type | TeeJet (compatible with similar styles) |
Use Cases & Applications
- Precision Crop Spraying: The AG-230 is used for precise application of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, reducing chemical usage and minimizing environmental impact. Farmers can target specific areas of their fields, ensuring that only the necessary amounts of chemicals are applied.
- Crop Scouting and Health Monitoring: The drone's high-definition camera allows farmers to monitor crop health and identify potential issues such as disease, pests, or nutrient deficiencies. Real-time video streaming provides immediate feedback, enabling quick response and preventing widespread damage.
- Seeding and Granular Application: With an optional spreader attachment, the AG-230 can be used for seeding and granular application, providing consistent coverage and efficient distribution of seeds or other materials. This is particularly useful for cover cropping or reseeding damaged areas.
- Autonomous Operation for Consistent Coverage: The drone's autonomous flight planning capabilities ensure consistent coverage across fields, eliminating the risk of human error and maximizing the effectiveness of treatments. Farmers can program flight paths and monitor progress from the ground station.
- Spot Spraying and Broadcast Treatments: The AG-230 can be used for both spot spraying and broadcast treatments, providing flexibility for different applications and crop types. Farmers can target specific areas with spot spraying or apply treatments across entire fields with broadcast spraying.
Strengths & Weaknesses
| Strengths ✅ | Weaknesses ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| High Precision Spraying: Minimizes waste and environmental impact with adjustable droplet size and accurate application. | Limited Flight Time: Approximately 8 minutes with full payload may require frequent battery changes. |
| RTK Positioning: Achieves centimeter-level accuracy for consistent coverage and targeted treatments. | Weather Dependency: Flight times and spray effectiveness can be affected by weather conditions such as wind and rain. |
| Obstacle Avoidance: Ensures safe operation and prevents collisions with radar sensors. | High Initial Cost: Starting at $31,000, the AG-230 represents a significant investment for farmers. |
| Autonomous Flight Planning: Enables consistent coverage and efficient operation with pre-programmed flight paths. | Regulatory Compliance: Operation of agricultural drones is subject to regulations that vary by region. |
| Swarm Capability: Allows control of up to three drones from a single ground station for increased productivity. | Battery Life: Battery health affects flight times. |
| Durable Construction: Built with aerospace-grade materials for long-lasting performance and reliability. |
Benefits for Farmers
The Hylio AG-230 offers numerous benefits for farmers, including time savings, cost reduction, yield improvement, and enhanced sustainability. By automating spraying and monitoring tasks, the drone reduces labor costs and frees up valuable time for other activities. Precision spraying minimizes chemical usage, resulting in cost savings and reduced environmental impact. Improved crop yields are achieved through timely and targeted treatments, maximizing productivity and profitability. The drone's integration with farm management systems allows for data-driven decision-making, optimizing resource allocation and improving overall efficiency.
Integration & Compatibility
The AG-230 integrates seamlessly into existing farm operations, working with various farm management systems for data logging and analysis. It is compatible with a wide range of nozzle types, allowing for customized applications based on specific crop needs. The drone's GPS and RTK positioning systems ensure accurate and consistent coverage, while its autonomous flight planning capabilities enable efficient operation. The Hylio GroundLink Controller provides a comprehensive solution for drone management, simplifying flight planning, monitoring, and data analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How does this product work? | The Hylio AG-230 is an agricultural drone that uses GPS and RTK for precise navigation and spraying. It is equipped with radar sensors for obstacle avoidance and a high-definition camera for real-time video streaming, allowing for efficient and accurate crop management. |
| What is the typical ROI? | The ROI for the AG-230 comes from reduced chemical usage due to precision spraying, time savings from autonomous operation, and improved crop yields through timely and targeted treatments. |
| What setup is required? | The AG-230 requires initial assembly, battery charging, and flight planning setup using the Hylio GroundLink Controller. Training is recommended to ensure safe and effective operation. |
| What maintenance is needed? | Regular maintenance includes cleaning the drone, inspecting propellers and motors, and ensuring batteries are properly stored and charged. Periodic software updates are also recommended. |
| Is training required to use this? | Yes, training is highly recommended to ensure operators are proficient in flight planning, drone operation, and safety procedures. Hylio provides training resources and support. |
| What systems does it integrate with? | The AG-230 integrates with farm management systems for data logging and analysis. It also uses GPS and RTK for precise positioning and can be used with various nozzle types for different applications. |
| How does the obstacle avoidance system work? | The drone uses radar sensors to detect obstacles in its path. Upon detection, the drone will automatically adjust its flight path to avoid collision, ensuring safe operation in complex environments. |
| What type of spraying nozzles are compatible? | The AG-230 is equipped with TeeJet nozzles and is compatible with any TeeJet or similar style nozzle tips. Optional rotary atomizer nozzles are also available for specialized applications. |
Pricing & Availability
Indicative price: 31,000 USD. Note that some sources list prices in CAD (Canadian Dollars). Pricing can be affected by configuration, implements, and region. Contact us via the Make inquiry button on this page.
Support & Training
Hylio provides comprehensive support and training resources to ensure users can effectively operate and maintain the AG-230. Training programs cover flight planning, drone operation, safety procedures, and maintenance best practices. Support resources include online documentation, video tutorials, and technical assistance. Contact us via the Make inquiry button on this page.
