The Exxact Robotics Traxx represents a significant leap forward in vineyard management, offering an autonomous solution designed to enhance precision, efficiency, and sustainability. Born from the innovative vision of Exel Industries, and with a heritage linked to Tecnoma, Exxact Robotics is committed to transforming agricultural practices, aligning with the ambitious goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement and the 2019 European Green Deal. The Traxx embodies this commitment by providing a sophisticated platform for modern viticulture.
This autonomous vineyard vehicle is engineered to navigate narrow vine rows with unparalleled accuracy, reducing the need for manual labor and minimizing environmental impact. Its advanced features, including RTK GPS for centimeter-precise navigation and dual-energy options, position it as a pivotal tool for winegrowers seeking to optimize their operations and embrace sustainable farming practices.
Key Features
The Exxact Robotics Traxx stands out with its fully autonomous operation, leveraging centimeter-precise RTK GPS to enable driverless path-following across entire vineyard plots. This capability significantly boosts operational efficiency by reducing labor requirements and ensuring consistent, accurate work. The vehicle's advanced navigation system allows for meticulous execution of tasks, contributing to higher quality vineyard management.
Adding to its innovative design, the Traxx offers dual energy options. Alongside a robust diesel model, Exxact Robotics has introduced the TRAXX Concept H2, a groundbreaking hydrogen-powered variant. This zero-emission alternative caters to environmentally conscious vineyard management, aligning with global sustainability goals by offering quieter operation and rapid recharging for up to 12 hours of autonomy.
Safety is paramount, and the Traxx is equipped with high-sensitivity bumpers and LIDAR sensors that detect obstacles and human presence, allowing for remote operation. This design not only protects the machine but also enhances operator well-being by reducing exposure to noise and phytopharmaceutical products. Its compact configuration and adjustable chassis clearance (150 cm standard, 160 cm option) are specifically optimized for navigating the tight spaces of narrow vineyards, ensuring effective coverage without damaging vines.
Furthermore, the Traxx boasts advanced traction and maneuverability through its 4-wheel steering, 4-wheel drive, and crab steering capabilities, all powered by a reliable POCLAIN hydraulic transmission. This ensures excellent grip and a turning radius of less than 5 meters on varied and challenging vineyard terrains. Complementing this, low-pressure KLEBER 260/70 R16 tires are utilized to minimize soil compaction, thereby preserving crucial soil health and enhancing vineyard productivity. Operators also benefit from remote monitoring and control options, including an ergonomic remote control for manual mode and a smartphone interface for real-time tracking and parameter adjustments.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight (without tools) | 1800 kg |
| Autonomy Duration (Diesel) | 18 to 20 hours |
| Autonomy Duration (Hydrogen Concept) | Up to 12 hours |
| Speed | Up to 6 km/h |
| Standard Chassis Clearance | 150 cm (option: 160 cm) |
| Track Width Options | Standard chassis: 112 cm; Wide chassis: 140 cm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (Diesel) | 110 liters |
| Energy Source | Diesel (Thermal engine); Hydrogen (Concept H2) |
| Power | 56 HP |
| Slope Capability | 35% to 38% |
| Side Slope Capability | 15% to 20% |
| Tires | KLEBER 260/70 R16 (low pressure) |
| Hydraulic Transmission | POCLAIN |
| Traction | 4-wheel steering, 4-wheel drive, Crab steering |
| Turning Radius | < 5 meters |
Use Cases & Applications
The Exxact Robotics Traxx is primarily designed for autonomous vineyard operations, offering precision viticulture solutions. One key application is soil work and tillage in vineyards, where it can precisely manage inter-row and under-vine cultivation. Its ability to follow GPS paths autonomously allows for driverless operation across entire plots, significantly reducing manual labor.
Another critical use case is precision spraying (pulverization) in vineyards. The robot ensures accurate application of treatments, potentially reducing the quantity of fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides required. For situations requiring direct human intervention or flexibility, the Traxx can be operated manually via an ergonomic remote control. Additionally, a smartphone interface enables remote monitoring of the tractor's progress and status, allowing growers to manage operations from afar and set parameters.
Strengths & Weaknesses
| Strengths ✅ | Weaknesses ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| Centimeter-precise RTK GPS for fully autonomous operation. | High initial investment cost typical for advanced robotics. |
| Dual energy options (diesel and hydrogen concept for zero-emission). | Specialized application primarily for vineyards, limiting broader agricultural use. |
| Enhanced safety features (bumpers, LIDAR) allowing remote operation and reduced operator exposure. | Reliance on RTK GPS signal for autonomous operation, requiring clear line of sight. |
| Optimized compact design and adjustable chassis for narrow vineyards and soil compaction mitigation. | Hydrogen-powered model (TRAXX Concept H2) is currently a concept, not widely available. |
| Advanced maneuverability (4-wheel steering/drive, crab steering) and low turning radius. | Early user feedback has indicated occasional software glitches. |
| Versatile compatibility with various soil-working tools. |
Benefits for Farmers
The Exxact Robotics Traxx delivers substantial benefits to farmers, primarily through significant reductions in labor costs and increased operational efficiency. Its autonomous capabilities allow for continuous work, freeing up valuable human resources for other critical tasks. The precision offered by RTK GPS-guided operations leads to optimized use of inputs like fuel and phytopharmaceutical products, resulting in considerable cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint.
By mitigating soil compaction with its low-pressure tires and compact design, the Traxx helps preserve soil health and long-term vineyard productivity. The enhanced safety features, allowing remote operation, improve operator well-being by minimizing exposure to noise and chemicals. Ultimately, the Traxx contributes to more sustainable viticulture, aligning with modern agricultural demands for efficiency, environmental responsibility, and improved working conditions.
Integration & Compatibility
The Exxact Robotics Traxx is designed for seamless integration into existing vineyard operations. It is compatible with all types of soil-working tools commonly used in viticulture, such as crumbling discs, inter-row blades, and Kress stars, allowing growers to utilize their preferred implements. Its autonomous GPS path-following system is designed to work within established vineyard layouts. For operational flexibility, the robot can be controlled manually via an ergonomic remote control. Furthermore, a dedicated smartphone interface provides real-time monitoring and remote parameter setting, allowing it to fit into modern digital farm management ecosystems.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How does this product work? | The Exxact Robotics Traxx operates autonomously using centimeter-precise RTK GPS for driverless path-following across vineyard plots. It can perform tasks like soil work and spraying. A manual mode with an ergonomic remote control and a smartphone interface for monitoring offer flexible operation. |
| What is the typical ROI? | The Exxact Robotics Traxx contributes to ROI by significantly reducing labor needs through autonomous operation and optimizing resource use with precision applications. This leads to cost savings on fuel, phytopharmaceutical products, and increased operational efficiency, especially in labor-intensive vineyard management. |
| What setup/installation is required? | Initial setup involves mapping vineyard paths for RTK GPS guidance and configuring the desired tools. The system is designed for straightforward attachment of various soil-working implements. Remote parameter setting via a smartphone interface also facilitates quick adjustments. |
| What maintenance is needed? | Maintenance for the Traxx involves standard agricultural machinery checks, including hydraulic system inspection and tire pressure management. Regular calibration of sensors and software updates are also necessary to ensure optimal performance and safety. |
| Is training required to use this? | Yes, training is required to effectively use the Exxact Robotics Traxx. Operators need to be familiar with its autonomous and manual control modes, safety protocols, and the smartphone interface for monitoring and parameter setting. The TRAXX PREMIUM service offers comprehensive user support and training. |
| What systems does it integrate with? | The Traxx is designed to integrate seamlessly with various types of soil-working tools, such as crumbling discs, inter-row blades, and Kress stars. It also features a smartphone interface for remote monitoring and control, fitting into modern digital farm management practices. |
Pricing & Availability
The indicative price for the Exxact Robotics Traxx is 150,000 EUR (as of November 2023). Pricing can vary based on specific configurations, chosen implements, regional availability, and lead times. For a precise quote and current availability, please contact us via the Make inquiry button on this page.
Support & Training
Exxact Robotics is dedicated to ensuring users maximize the potential of their Traxx autonomous vineyard vehicle. Comprehensive support is provided through the TRAXX PREMIUM service, which includes full user support and training. This ensures that operators are proficient in both the autonomous and manual modes of operation, understand safety protocols, and can effectively utilize the remote monitoring and control features. Ongoing assistance helps maintain optimal performance and addresses any operational queries.
