The AutoAgri ICS 20 represents a significant leap forward in agricultural technology, offering a multifaceted implement carrier engineered for eco-friendly and precise farming operations. Originating from Norway, this innovative robotic platform redefines farming efficiency through its fully electric (ICS 20 E) and plug-in hybrid (ICS 20 HD) versions. It is meticulously designed to support the eco-conscious farmer by substantially reducing operating costs and minimizing environmental impact through advanced precision farming techniques and a design that ensures low soil compaction.
This versatile machine is more than just an implement carrier; it's a comprehensive solution for modern agriculture. Its ability to perform tasks autonomously, coupled with its advanced maneuverability and compatibility with a wide array of existing farm implements, positions it as a pivotal tool for increasing productivity and sustainability in diverse farming environments. From general field work to specialized crop management, the AutoAgri ICS 20 offers a robust and intelligent approach to agricultural challenges.
Key Features
The AutoAgri ICS 20 is distinguished by its innovative drivetrain options, providing farmers with choices that align with their sustainability goals and operational needs. The fully electric ICS 20 E offers zero-emission farming, powered by a 60 kWh or 64 kWh battery, making it ideal for environmentally sensitive operations. For extended periods of work or where charging infrastructure is less readily available, the ICS 20 HD plug-in hybrid variant combines a 65-liter diesel engine with a 10 kWh battery, offering a balance of power, range, and reduced emissions. Both models feature 4-wheel drive with four 17 kW peak electric motors, ensuring robust performance across varied terrains.
Autonomous operation is at the core of the ICS 20's design, leveraging GPS with RTK accuracy, lidar, and other sensors to navigate and execute tasks with unparalleled precision. This capability allows for continuous operation, day or night, freeing up valuable human labor and ensuring consistency in every pass. The robot's advanced maneuverability is further enhanced by its 4-wheel steering system, which provides a full 360-degree turning angle on all wheels. This enables the ICS 20 to drive in any direction and pivot around its own axis, making it exceptionally agile in tight spaces and complex field layouts.
A critical benefit of the AutoAgri ICS 20 is its contribution to reduced soil compaction. With an empty weight of 2400 kg for the electric model and 2500 kg for the hybrid, combined with an optimized drivetrain, it exerts significantly less ground pressure than conventional tractors. This gentle footprint helps preserve soil structure, promotes better water infiltration, and supports healthier root development, ultimately leading to increased crop yields. Its multi-implement capability, facilitated by a CAT 2 3-point hitch, PTO with 15kW/25kW peak electric motor, and auxiliary hydraulics, ensures it can seamlessly integrate with a broad spectrum of existing farm machinery, maximizing utility and minimizing the need for new equipment investments.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain (ICS 20 E) | Fully electric, 4-wheel drive, 4x17 kW peak electric motors |
| Drivetrain (ICS 20 HD) | Plug-in hybrid (65-liter diesel + 10 kWh battery), 4-wheel drive, 4x17 kW peak electric motors |
| Battery Capacity (ICS 20 E) | 60 kWh / 64 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (ICS 20 HD) | 10.2 kWh |
| Combustion Engine (ICS 20 HD) | 43 kW Hatz TICD Stage V (60 hp Stage 5 diesel engine) |
| Steering System | 4-wheel steering, 360-degree turning angle on all wheels |
| Operational Speed (autonomous mode) | 0-12 km/h |
| Operational Speed (RC mode) | 0-6 km/h |
| PTO Motor Power | 15kW/25kW peak electric motor |
| Auxiliary Hydraulics | 2x2-way outputs, 190 Bar pressure, 7 litres/min flow |
| Empty Weight (ICS 20 E) | 2400 kg |
| Empty Weight (ICS 20 HD) | 2500 kg |
| CAT 2 3-point Payload | 2000 kg |
| Measurements (LxWxH) | 4150x2400x2300 mm |
Use Cases & Applications
The AutoAgri ICS 20 is designed for a diverse range of agricultural and municipal applications, making it a highly versatile asset. Its primary use case is autonomous farming operations, guided by GPS with RTK, lidar, and other sensors, allowing for precise field work day and night without direct human intervention. This is particularly beneficial for tasks requiring consistent passes and high accuracy, such as planting, weeding, and spraying.
Precision farming is another core application, where the ICS 20 minimizes the usage of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides through targeted application. This not only reduces input costs but also significantly lessens the environmental impact of farming. As a versatile implement carrier, it can be equipped with various tools for different agricultural tasks, from tillage and cultivation to mowing and harvesting, demonstrating its adaptability across the farming calendar.
Furthermore, the robot's low mass and optimized ground pressure are crucial for reducing soil compaction, a common problem with heavier traditional machinery. This makes it ideal for maintaining soil health and fertility over the long term. Its compatibility with existing farming equipment through its CAT 2 3-point hitch, PTO, and hydraulics ensures a smooth integration into current farm setups. Beyond conventional farming, the ICS 20 also serves as an excellent research and development platform due to its flexible design and integrated systems, allowing for the testing of new agricultural technologies and methodologies. It is also suitable for municipal applications, such as park maintenance or roadside vegetation management.
Strengths & Weaknesses
| Strengths ✅ | Weaknesses ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| Eco-Friendly Drivetrain Options: Offers fully electric and plug-in hybrid models for reduced emissions and sustainable farming. | Significant Initial Investment: The approximate €200,000 price tag represents a substantial upfront cost for many farmers. |
| Autonomous Operation: Enables precise, labor-saving operations day and night through advanced GPS RTK and sensor fusion. | Operational Speed Limitations: Maximum autonomous speed of 12 km/h might be slower than traditional tractors for some time-sensitive, large-acreage tasks. |
| Advanced Maneuverability: 4-wheel drive and 360-degree 4-wheel steering provide exceptional agility in complex terrains and confined spaces. | Reliance on RTK Signal: Autonomous functionality is highly dependent on a stable and accurate GPS RTK signal, which can be challenging in areas with poor coverage or interference. |
| Reduced Soil Compaction: Lower weight and optimized design minimize ground pressure, preserving soil health and increasing yield potential. | PTO Power for Heavy-Duty Tasks: While versatile, the 15kW/25kW peak PTO motor power may be less than very large conventional tractors, potentially limiting its use with the most power-intensive implements. |
| Multi-Implement Compatibility: Works with existing CAT 2 3-point hitch, PTO, and hydraulic implements, reducing the need for new equipment. | Battery/Fuel Management: Both electric and hybrid models require careful planning for charging/refueling, especially for continuous long-duration operations. |
| Cost and Work Savings: Drives down running costs through efficient operation and reduces labor requirements through automation. |
Benefits for Farmers
Farmers adopting the AutoAgri ICS 20 can expect a range of significant business and environmental benefits. The autonomous capabilities directly translate into substantial time savings, as the robot can perform repetitive tasks without constant human supervision, allowing farmers to focus on strategic management. Cost reduction is achieved through multiple avenues: the efficient electric and hybrid drivetrains lower fuel and energy expenses, while precision farming minimizes the use of costly inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides.
Yield improvement is a direct outcome of precision operations and reduced soil compaction. Healthier soil leads to better crop growth, and accurate application of inputs ensures optimal plant development. From a sustainability perspective, the ICS 20 significantly lowers the carbon footprint of farming operations through reduced emissions and promotes ecological balance by preserving soil structure. The ability to integrate with existing equipment also means a lower barrier to entry for adopting advanced robotics, making modern, sustainable farming more accessible.
Integration & Compatibility
The AutoAgri ICS 20 is engineered for seamless integration into existing farm operations, making the transition to robotic farming straightforward. A key aspect of its compatibility is the standard CAT 2 3-point hitch, which allows farmers to attach a wide array of conventional implements they already own, such as cultivators, seeders, sprayers, and mowers. This eliminates the need for specialized robotic-specific tools and maximizes the utility of current investments.
Furthermore, the ICS 20 is equipped with an electric PTO (Power Take-Off) and auxiliary hydraulic outputs. The 15kW/25kW peak electric PTO motor provides power to mechanically driven implements, while the 2x2-way hydraulic outputs (190 Bar pressure, 7 litres/min flow) can operate hydraulically driven attachments. This comprehensive interface ensures that the robot can power and control a diverse range of agricultural machinery, functioning as a true implement carrier. Its integrated sensor systems also provide data that can be fed into existing farm management software, allowing for better decision-making and optimization of field activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How does this product work? | The AutoAgri ICS 20 operates autonomously using GPS with RTK, lidar, and other sensors for precise navigation and task execution. It functions as a versatile implement carrier, connecting to standard CAT 2 3-point hitch implements, powered by its PTO and auxiliary hydraulics. |
| What is the typical ROI? | The AutoAgri ICS 20 offers significant ROI through reduced operating costs due to its efficient electric/hybrid drivetrains and lower weight, minimizing fuel consumption and soil damage. It also reduces labor costs through autonomous operation and can increase yields through precision farming, leading to substantial long-term savings. |
| What setup/installation is required? | Initial setup involves configuring GPS RTK guidance and defining operational parameters and field maps. The ICS 20 is designed for compatibility with existing CAT 2 3-point hitch implements, requiring standard attachment procedures for various tools. |
| What maintenance is needed? | Maintenance for the fully electric model primarily involves battery management and routine checks of electric motors and mechanical components. The plug-in hybrid model requires additional maintenance for its diesel engine, including oil changes and filter replacements, alongside general robotic system checks. |
| Is training required to use this? | Yes, training is required to effectively operate and program the AutoAgri ICS 20, particularly for setting up autonomous tasks, managing its navigation systems, and understanding its various operational modes (autonomous and RC). |
| What systems does it integrate with? | The AutoAgri ICS 20 integrates seamlessly with standard agricultural implements via its CAT 2 3-point hitch, PTO, and auxiliary hydraulics. Its advanced sensor suite allows for integration with precision farming software and data management systems for optimized field operations. |
| What are the environmental benefits of using the ICS 20? | The ICS 20 offers significant environmental benefits through its fully electric and plug-in hybrid options, reducing emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. Its low weight minimizes soil compaction, preserving soil health, while precision farming capabilities reduce the overuse of inputs like fertilizers and pesticides. |
| Can the ICS 20 work with existing farm equipment? | Absolutely. The AutoAgri ICS 20 is specifically designed for compatibility with existing farming equipment, featuring a standard CAT 2 3-point hitch, PTO, and auxiliary hydraulics, allowing farmers to utilize their current implement fleet. |
Pricing & Availability
Indicative price: 200,000 EUR. The final price for the AutoAgri ICS 20 may vary based on specific configurations, chosen drivetrain (fully electric or plug-in hybrid), additional implements, regional taxes, and delivery costs. Lead times can also be a factor depending on current demand and production schedules. For a precise quote and information on availability in your region, please contact us via the Make inquiry button on this page.
Support & Training
AutoAgri is committed to providing comprehensive support and training to ensure optimal performance and user satisfaction with the ICS 20. This includes initial operational training, technical assistance, and access to documentation for maintenance and troubleshooting. Ongoing support ensures that farmers can maximize the efficiency and longevity of their robotic implement carrier.
