The FieldRobotics HammerHead is an innovative autonomous farm robot, meticulously engineered to revolutionize agricultural practices through precision farming and advanced crop management. Developed by FieldRobotics, a spin-off company of the University of Bologna, Italy, this cutting-edge machine represents a significant leap forward in agricultural automation. It is designed to empower farmers with unparalleled control and efficiency over their operations, moving beyond traditional methods to embrace a future where farming is more sustainable, precise, and productive.
At its core, the HammerHead integrates sophisticated robotics with practical agricultural needs, offering solutions that address modern farming challenges. From automating routine tasks to providing in-depth field analytics, this robot is built to enhance every aspect of farm management. Its robust design and intelligent systems ensure reliable performance across diverse agricultural landscapes, making it a valuable asset for contemporary farmers seeking to optimize their yields and operational workflows.
Key Features
At the heart of the HammerHead's design is its advanced autonomous navigation system, which combines RTK GPS technology with a sophisticated 64-layer Lidar system. This dual-system approach enables the robot to traverse farm fields independently, accurately detecting obstacles and adapting its routes in real-time, even in environments where GPS signals might be intermittent, such as dense row crops. This autonomy is crucial for tasks demanding consistent precision, offering a new level of control over agricultural processes.
The HammerHead stands out for its exceptional versatility and adaptability, capable of being programmed for a wide array of specific farming needs. It can efficiently handle diverse agricultural tasks, including seeding, fertilization, and pest control, and is designed to operate seamlessly with various implements such as mulchers, sprayers, and inter-row tools. This broad utility makes it a highly flexible solution for modern farm operations.
Powering its operations is an innovative electric Power Take-Off (PTO) system, featuring a Category 1 three-point linkage with an electric PTO capable of 540-1,000 rpm. This design choice eliminates the need for internal hydraulics, simplifying maintenance and enhancing energy efficiency by powering all implements electrically. Furthermore, the robot is equipped with a 23kWh lithium-ion battery unit and a newly developed battery-change system, ensuring up to 8 hours of continuous operation and efficient power management.
Its compact dimensions, measuring 3.2m in length and 1.4m in width, combined with a tracked design, provide high maneuverability and a tight 2-meter turning radius. This configuration not only ensures suitability for challenging terrains, including mountain areas, but also significantly reduces soil compaction, promoting healthier soil structures. The HammerHead's integrated laser scanners and cameras facilitate comprehensive data harvesting, enabling the creation of digital twins of fields for advanced precision farming, including detailed crop analysis, leaf density, and fruit counting.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Navigation System | GPS and sensor-based autonomous navigation, 64-layer Lidar, RTK GPS |
| Operational Duration | Up to 8 hours on a single charge |
| Speed | Variable, optimized for agricultural tasks |
| Weight | Approximately 795 kg (Hammerhead FR-01) |
| Dimensions (Length) | 3.2m |
| Dimensions (Width) | 1.4m |
| Turning Radius | 2 meters (due to tracks) |
| Load Capacity | 1 ton (1000 kg) |
| Traction Motors | Two 5 kW electric motors (Bonfiglioli) |
| PTO Motor | One 10 kW electric motor |
| Battery | 23kWh lithium-ion power unit |
| Standard Charging Time | 8 hours (with 3kW charger) |
| Fast Charging Time | 2.5 hours (with 10kW system) |
| PTO Type | Category 1 three-point linkage with electric PTO |
| PTO Speed | 540-1,000 rpm |
| Sensors | 64-layer Lidar system, stereo cameras, RTK GPS system |
| Hydraulics | None (powers implements electrically) |
Use Cases & Applications
The FieldRobotics HammerHead offers a wide array of applications designed to enhance efficiency and precision across various farming operations. It excels in automating routine tasks such as seeding, fertilization, and pest control, ensuring consistent application and reducing manual labor requirements.
Farmers can utilize the HammerHead for precision farming and detailed crop management. Its advanced sensor suite allows for comprehensive soil sampling and in-depth crop analysis, providing crucial data for informed decision-making.
The robot is highly effective in operating with a variety of implements, including mulchers, sprayers, and inter-row tools, making it a versatile platform for different cultivation needs.
One of its most innovative applications is data harvesting with laser scanners and cameras to create digital twins of fields. This capability supports advanced precision farming by providing detailed insights into leaf density, fruit counting, and overall crop health, allowing for highly targeted interventions.
Looking ahead, the HammerHead is poised to play a significant role in managing digital orchards and vineyards, with future developments incorporating augmented reality tools to further optimize specialized crop management.
Strengths & Weaknesses
| Strengths ✅ | Weaknesses ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| Advanced Autonomous Navigation: Combines RTK GPS and a 64-layer Lidar system, enabling precise operation even in challenging row crops without continuous GPS. | Charging Time: Standard charging takes 8 hours with a 3kW charger, which might require careful planning for continuous 24/7 operations without the fast charging system. |
| High Versatility & Adaptability: Capable of performing a wide range of agricultural tasks with various implements, programmable for specific farming needs. | Initial Investment: As an advanced robotic system, the initial capital expenditure for the HammerHead is likely substantial compared to traditional machinery. |
| Reduced Soil Compaction: Compact dimensions and tracked design minimize ground pressure, preserving soil health and making it suitable for sensitive terrains. | Learning Curve: Operators may require dedicated training to fully utilize the advanced programming, navigation, and data analysis capabilities of the robot. |
| Electric PTO System: Powers all implements electrically, eliminating internal hydraulics, simplifying maintenance, and promoting energy efficiency. | |
| Digital Twin Capabilities: Equipped for comprehensive data harvesting to create detailed digital twins of fields, enhancing precision farming and analytics. | |
| Awards & Recognition: Nominated for 'Tractor of the Year' in the 'TotYBot' category at EIMA 2024 and recipient of the AgriNext Award Dubai 2024. |
Benefits for Farmers
The FieldRobotics HammerHead delivers substantial business value to farmers by optimizing operations and fostering sustainability. By automating routine tasks, it significantly reduces labor requirements and associated costs, freeing up valuable human resources for more strategic farm management. The robot's precision in tasks like seeding, fertilization, and pest control leads to optimized resource utilization, minimizing waste and potentially reducing input costs.
Its ability to collect detailed data for digital twin creation contributes to improved yields through highly targeted interventions and better crop health management. The reduced soil compaction offered by its tracked design promotes healthier soil structures, which can lead to long-term productivity gains and environmental benefits. Furthermore, the electric power system aligns with sustainable farming practices by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering operational emissions.
Integration & Compatibility
The FieldRobotics HammerHead is designed to seamlessly integrate into modern farm operations, acting as a crucial component of a precision agriculture ecosystem. It works by collecting rich data through its laser scanners and cameras, which is then used to create detailed digital twins of fields. This data can be exported and integrated with existing farm management software and analytical platforms, allowing farmers to gain deeper insights into their crop health, soil conditions, and overall field performance. The robot's electric PTO system also ensures compatibility with a wide range of electrically powered implements, allowing farmers to leverage their existing toolsets or invest in new, compatible electric attachments.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How does this product work? | The HammerHead operates autonomously using a combination of RTK GPS and a 64-layer Lidar system for navigation and obstacle detection. It can be programmed for specific agricultural tasks, executing them with precision while adapting to real-time environmental data. |
| What is the typical ROI? | The HammerHead contributes to ROI by automating routine tasks, leading to increased operational efficiency, reduced labor costs, and optimized resource use in precision farming. Its ability to collect detailed crop data can also lead to improved yields and more targeted interventions. |
| What setup is required? | Initial setup involves mapping the farm fields and programming the robot for specific tasks and routes. The advanced navigation system allows for independent traversal once configured, with minimal direct human intervention during operation. |
| What maintenance is needed? | Maintenance primarily involves routine checks of its electrical components, sensors, tracks, and battery system. The newly developed battery-change system facilitates efficient power management and likely simplifies battery-related servicing. |
| Is training required to use this? | Yes, training is typically required to effectively program the robot, understand its operational parameters, interpret the data it collects, and manage its advanced autonomous navigation system for optimal performance in diverse farming scenarios. |
| What systems does it integrate with? | The HammerHead is designed to integrate into precision farming ecosystems by collecting data via laser scanners and cameras to create digital twins of fields. This data can then be used with other farm management software for analysis and decision-making. |
| Can it operate in challenging terrains? | Yes, its compact dimensions and tracked design ensure high maneuverability and reduced soil compaction, making it suitable for challenging terrains, including mountain areas and row crops where GPS might be limited. |
| What kind of implements can it power? | The HammerHead can power various implements electrically, utilizing its Category 1 three-point linkage with an electric PTO. This includes tools like mulchers, sprayers, and inter-row tools. |
Pricing & Availability
While specific pricing for the FieldRobotics HammerHead is not publicly available, its cost will vary based on configuration, chosen implements, regional factors, and lead times. For detailed pricing information and current availability, please contact us via the Make inquiry button on this page.
Support & Training
FieldRobotics provides comprehensive support and training to ensure optimal utilization and performance of the HammerHead autonomous farm robot. This includes technical assistance, software updates, and educational resources designed to help farmers and operators maximize the robot's capabilities and integrate it effectively into their agricultural workflows.
