The Mini GUSS Autonomous Orchard Sprayer represents a significant leap forward in agricultural technology, specifically designed to optimize spraying operations in vineyards and high-density orchards. This innovative robotic solution streamlines the application of chemicals and nutrients, leveraging advanced autonomous navigation to maximize resource efficiency and overall productivity. By automating a critical and labor-intensive task, the Mini GUSS aims to address common challenges faced by modern growers, from labor dependability to consistent application quality.
Built for precision and reliability, the Mini GUSS integrates cutting-edge technologies to deliver targeted treatments across diverse crop types. Its robust construction and intelligent operating system are engineered to perform day or night, ensuring that valuable resources are applied exactly where and when they are needed most. This results in not only operational savings but also a more sustainable approach to crop management.
Key Features
The Mini GUSS stands out with its sophisticated autonomous navigation system, which combines advanced GPS, LiDAR technology, and an array of vehicle sensors. This comprehensive suite, coupled with proprietary software, allows the sprayer to navigate complex orchard and vineyard layouts with exceptional accuracy, following pre-programmed paths and avoiding obstacles. This level of autonomy ensures consistent coverage and reduces the potential for human error, leading to more uniform crop treatment and improved outcomes.
A single operator can remotely manage an impressive fleet of up to eight Mini GUSS units simultaneously, utilizing a laptop from a vehicle, office, or home. This remote oversight capability drastically reduces labor requirements and associated costs, freeing up valuable personnel for other critical farm tasks. The system provides real-time data on each unit's position, spray rate, and speed, enabling continuous monitoring and fine-tuning of operations for optimal performance.
Precision application is at the core of the Mini GUSS's design. Its system ensures targeted delivery of chemicals and nutrients, minimizing waste, reducing environmental impact, and optimizing material usage. This is further enhanced by features like Select Spray™ Technology, which can target specific trees, ensuring that materials are applied only where necessary. The sprayer's adaptability is also a key advantage, offering optional bolt-on towers, including a specialized vineyard tower for efficient two-row applications and an apple tower designed for the unique requirements of high-density trellised orchards.
Equipped with a large 400-gallon (1,514 liters) stainless steel tank, the Mini GUSS is built for extended operation, reducing the downtime typically associated with frequent refills. Powering this robust machine is a 3.8-liter Cummins F3.8 Stage V diesel engine, delivering 173 hp, which ensures reliable performance and the ability to traverse varied terrain effectively. Its compact dimensions—20 ft (6 m) long, 6 ft (1.8 m) wide, and 5.4 ft (1.6 m) tall—allow it to navigate tight row spacings common in high-density plantings, maximizing its utility in specialized agricultural environments.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 20 ft (6 m) L x 6 ft (1.8 m) W x 5.4 ft (1.6 m) H |
| Empty Weight | 8,840 lbs (4,010 kg) |
| Engine | Cummins F3.8 173hp Stage V Diesel |
| Fuel Capacity | 77-gallon fuel cell (~12 hour run time) |
| Tank Capacity | 400-gallon (1,514 liters) stainless steel |
| Drive Type | 4-wheel drive |
| Steering | 4-wheel steering |
| Fan | 36-inch direct drive fan |
| Pump | Hydraulic drive centrifugal water pump |
| Standard Nozzles | 28 ceramic nozzles |
| Vineyard Tower Nozzles | 22 ceramic nozzles |
| Apple Tower Nozzles (High-Density) | 44 ceramic nozzles |
| Navigation System | Advanced GPS, LiDAR, vehicle sensors, proprietary software |
| Body Material | Stainless steel hood, roof, doors, and fan housing |
Use Cases & Applications
The Mini GUSS is primarily designed for autonomous spraying operations in vineyards and high-density orchards, offering a versatile solution for various crop protection needs. Farmers utilize this technology for the targeted application of chemicals and nutrients, ensuring that each plant receives the precise treatment required, which is crucial for high-value crops with tight row spacing like berries and hops.
One significant application is reducing manual labor, addressing challenges such as dependability, breaks, downtime, human error, and the need for personal protective equipment (PPE). By automating spraying tasks, the Mini GUSS allows growers to reallocate their workforce to other essential farm activities. It also significantly increases the efficiency, precision, and consistency of application, leading to better crop health and potentially higher yields.
Furthermore, the Mini GUSS minimizes the exposure of individuals to sprayed materials, enhancing worker safety on the farm. Its capability to operate day or night provides growers with greater flexibility, allowing them to spray during optimal weather conditions or outside of peak human operational hours, which can be critical for timely applications.
Strengths & Weaknesses
| Strengths ✅ | Weaknesses ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| Fully autonomous navigation via GPS, LiDAR, and sensors ensures consistent and precise coverage. | Its large size (20 ft length) and empty weight (8,840 lbs) may pose logistical challenges for some operations. |
| A single operator can remotely manage up to eight units, drastically reducing labor costs and increasing efficiency. | The diesel engine, while powerful, has potential environmental impacts and incurs ongoing fuel costs. |
| Precision application of chemicals and nutrients minimizes waste, lowers input costs, and reduces environmental impact. | Remote oversight requires a laptop, which adds a specific technological dependency for management. |
| Adaptable with optional bolt-on towers (vineyard, apple) for specialized crop requirements. | The initial investment cost, ranging from $283,660 USD, can be substantial for some smaller operations. |
| Large 400-gallon (1,514 liters) tank capacity allows for extended run times and fewer refills. | |
| Powerful 173 hp Cummins diesel engine provides robust performance across varied terrain. | |
| Enhanced safety features, including obstacle detection and Defender™ technology, minimize operator exposure and prevent collisions. | |
| Data-driven operations provide real-time insights for fine-tuning spray parameters and improving consistency. |
Benefits for Farmers
The Mini GUSS offers substantial benefits for farmers, translating directly into improved operational efficiency and profitability. By automating the spraying process, it significantly reduces reliance on manual labor, addressing issues of availability, consistency, and the associated costs of wages, breaks, and supervision. This leads to considerable time savings, allowing farm personnel to focus on other high-value tasks.
Precision application, a hallmark of the Mini GUSS, results in substantial cost reductions by minimizing the overuse and waste of expensive chemicals and nutrients. This targeted approach not only benefits the farm's bottom line but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing chemical runoff. The consistency and accuracy of autonomous spraying can lead to improved crop health and potentially higher yields, as plants receive optimal treatment.
Furthermore, the Mini GUSS enhances safety by minimizing human exposure to sprayed materials, a critical concern in agricultural operations. Its ability to operate day or night ensures timely applications, which can be crucial for pest and disease management, ultimately protecting crop quality and quantity.
Integration & Compatibility
The Mini GUSS is designed to seamlessly integrate into existing farm operations by taking over the labor-intensive task of spraying. Its autonomous nature means it can operate independently once programmed, requiring minimal direct human intervention. The system's core compatibility lies with its proprietary software, which acts as the central hub for mission planning, real-time monitoring, and data logging. This software provides valuable insights into spray rates, speed, and location, allowing growers to analyze performance and make data-driven decisions for future applications.
While the primary integration is with its own control system, the data generated by the Mini GUSS can be utilized for record-keeping and compliance purposes. Its adaptability with bolt-on towers also ensures compatibility with various crop types and trellising systems, making it a flexible solution that can be tailored to specific orchard and vineyard configurations. This focused integration ensures that the Mini GUSS functions as a highly specialized and efficient component within a broader agricultural management strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How does this product work? | The Mini GUSS utilizes advanced GPS, LiDAR, and vehicle sensors for autonomous navigation within pre-mapped orchards and vineyards. A single operator remotely monitors and controls the unit via a laptop, managing spray parameters and ensuring precise, targeted application of chemicals and nutrients. |
| What is the typical ROI? | Most operators experience a return on investment (ROI) within one to three years. This is primarily achieved through significant reductions in labor costs, minimized material waste due to precision application, and increased operational efficiency from consistent, extended operating hours. |
| What setup/installation is required? | Initial setup involves mapping the specific orchard or vineyard layouts and programming spray zones into the Mini GUSS's proprietary software. This data guides the autonomous navigation and ensures targeted application paths tailored to your crop rows. |
| What maintenance is needed? | Routine maintenance for the Mini GUSS includes regular checks of the Cummins diesel engine, inspection of all spray system components, and calibration of sensors. Essential tasks also involve software updates and cleaning nozzles to ensure optimal performance and longevity. |
| Is training required to use this? | Yes, operators require comprehensive training on the remote control interface and the proprietary software used for monitoring and managing multiple units. This training covers understanding spray patterns, basic troubleshooting, and efficient remote operation. |
| What systems does it integrate with? | The Mini GUSS integrates with its proprietary software, which provides real-time data on position, spray rate, and speed. This data allows for continuous fine-tuning of operations and detailed record-keeping, though direct integration with third-party farm management systems is not explicitly detailed. |
| What are its safety features? | The Mini GUSS is equipped with obstacle detection sensors and Defender™ technology to prevent collisions and enhance operational safety. Its autonomous nature also significantly minimizes human exposure to potentially harmful spray materials. |
| How many units can one operator manage? | A single operator can efficiently monitor and manage up to eight Mini GUSS units simultaneously. This is achieved remotely from a vehicle, office, or home using a laptop, greatly enhancing labor efficiency for large-scale operations. |
Pricing & Availability
Indicative price: 283,660 USD. The final pricing for the Mini GUSS can vary based on specific configurations, optional bolt-on towers (such as the vineyard or apple tower), and regional factors. For a detailed quote tailored to your specific operational needs and to inquire about current availability and lead times, please contact us via the Make inquiry button on this page.
Support & Training
Comprehensive support and training are essential components of the Mini GUSS product offering. This includes detailed operator training to ensure proficiency in remote control, system monitoring, and software utilization. Technical support is available to assist with any operational queries or maintenance requirements, ensuring continuous and efficient performance of the autonomous sprayer in your agricultural operations.
