The RoamIO-HCT, an autonomous horticulture cart engineered by Korechi, represents a significant advancement in agricultural technology, specifically designed to optimize farming operations and substantially reduce reliance on manual labor. This innovative robotic solution integrates cutting-edge autonomous navigation with robust mechanical capabilities, offering a versatile platform for a wide array of horticultural tasks. Its development addresses the growing need for precision, efficiency, and sustainability in modern agriculture, providing farmers with a powerful tool to enhance productivity and improve working conditions.
At its core, the RoamIO-HCT is built to operate with minimal human intervention, leveraging sophisticated sensor arrays and artificial intelligence to navigate complex agricultural landscapes. From open fields to controlled greenhouse environments, this cart performs with remarkable accuracy, ensuring that tasks are not only completed efficiently but also with a level of precision that minimizes resource wastage. The adoption of such technology marks a critical step towards more intelligent and sustainable farming practices, promising a faster return on investment through operational savings and increased output.
Key Features
The RoamIO-HCT’s innovation is anchored in its autonomous navigation system, which utilizes multi-constellation multi-band GNSS RTK with a dual antenna setup to achieve centimeter-level accuracy. This precision allows the cart to maneuver through varied terrains without requiring complex calibration, ensuring that tasks like planting, weeding, and soil sampling are executed with unparalleled exactitude, directly contributing to improved crop health and yield.
Beyond navigation, the RoamIO-HCT is engineered for exceptional versatility, capable of automating most implements that use standard 2-inch mounts. This adaptability means it can seamlessly transition between transporting supplies, assisting in planting operations, conducting detailed soil analysis, and performing cultivation, seeding, weeding, mowing, data-logging, and comprehensive vegetation management. This broad functionality consolidates multiple labor-intensive tasks into a single, efficient robotic solution.
With a robust design, the RoamIO-HCT boasts an impressive load capacity, capable of transporting up to 300 kg (661 lbs) of materials directly on board. Furthermore, its powerful motor system allows it to tow substantial loads, up to 6 metric tonnes (13,227 lbs), making it indispensable for logistics such as moving harvested crops or heavy equipment across the farm.
Safety and reliability are paramount, addressed by an advanced collision avoidance system that integrates LiDAR and camera technology with artificial intelligence. This sophisticated array of sensors provides comprehensive obstacle detection, safeguarding both the robot and its surroundings. Additionally, physical and remote e-stop features offer immediate control, ensuring secure operation in dynamic agricultural settings.
As an environmentally conscious solution, the RoamIO-HCT operates on an electric platform, powered by a 20 kWh safe lithium chemistry battery that delivers up to 8 hours of continuous operation on a single charge and promises a lifespan of over 10 years. This not only significantly reduces carbon emissions but also translates into lower fuel and maintenance costs for farmers, with the added benefit of potential carbon credit earnings.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Navigation System | Multi-constellation multi-band GNSS RTK with dual antenna |
| Navigation Accuracy | cm-level |
| Battery Life | Up to 8 hours on a single charge |
| Battery Capacity | 20 kWh safe lithium chemistry |
| Battery Lifespan | 10+ years |
| On-board Load Capacity | 300 kg (661 lb) |
| Towing Capacity | 6 metric tonnes (13,227 lb) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 1.6m x 1.7m x 1.27m (63” x 67” x 50”) |
| Weight | 450 kg (990 lb) |
| Ground Clearance | 0.3 m (12”) |
| Maximum Speed | 8.5 km/hr (5.3 mph) |
| Motor Type | Brushless DC |
| Motor Power (continuous) | 10 kW (13.4 hp) |
| Motor Power (peak) | 16.6 kW (22.2 hp) |
| Collision Avoidance | LiDAR + camera with AI, physical and remote e-stop |
| Body Construction | Powder-coated welded steel tubing chassis, stainless steel cover |
| Traction System | 6” steel-reinforced agricultural rubber tracks |
| Implement Compatibility | 2-inch mounts/receivers |
Use Cases & Applications
The RoamIO-HCT is designed for a multitude of practical applications across various farming operations, significantly enhancing efficiency and reducing manual effort. For instance, in fruit orchards, it can autonomously transport freshly picked produce from the field to a central collection point, reducing the need for manual hauling and speeding up the logistics of harvest. In vineyards, the cart can be equipped with specialized implements for precision weeding between rows, ensuring optimal vine health without disturbing delicate root systems.
Another critical application is in large-scale vegetable farming, where the RoamIO-HCT can automate seeding and cultivation tasks, following precise patterns to maximize planting density and minimize overlap. It can also perform regular soil sampling across vast fields, collecting data that informs precise fertilization strategies, thereby optimizing nutrient application and reducing waste. Furthermore, for general farm maintenance, it can be utilized for mowing pathways or conducting vegetation management, ensuring clear access and controlling unwanted plant growth efficiently.
Strengths & Weaknesses
| Strengths ✅ | Weaknesses ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| Centimeter-level autonomous navigation accuracy without complex calibration. | High initial investment cost (approx. $100,000 CAD) may be a barrier for smaller operations. |
| Highly versatile, capable of automating a wide range of horticultural tasks. | Battery life of up to 8 hours may require charging breaks for continuous, extended workday operations. |
| Substantial on-board load (300 kg) and towing (6 metric tonnes) capacities. | Maximum speed of 8.5 km/hr (5.3 mph) might be slower than desired for rapid long-distance transport. |
| Advanced AI-powered collision avoidance system with multiple sensors and e-stop. | Requires reliable Wi-Fi or cloud connectivity for remote operation, which may be challenging in some rural areas. |
| Electric platform reduces emissions, fuel, and maintenance costs, offering carbon credit potential. | While intuitive, initial training is beneficial for maximizing complex feature utilization. |
| Low soil compaction due to tracked design, promoting better soil health and traction. | |
| Significant reduction in manual labor, leading to lower labor costs and improved workplace safety. | |
| Fast Return on Investment (ROI) potential, typically within 12 months to three years. | |
| Flexible operation via rugged tablet (local/remote) or physical joystick. | |
| Customizable track widths for diverse farming needs. |
Benefits for Farmers
Implementing the RoamIO-HCT brings a multitude of business advantages to farmers. The most immediate benefit is the significant reduction in manual labor, directly translating to lower labor costs and alleviating the challenges of finding and managing seasonal workers. By automating repetitive and physically demanding tasks, farmers can reallocate human resources to more strategic roles, improving overall operational efficiency.
Furthermore, the precision of the RoamIO-HCT, with its centimeter-level navigation, leads to optimized resource utilization. This means more accurate planting, targeted weeding, and precise application of inputs, which can result in improved crop yields and reduced wastage of seeds, fertilizers, and water. The electric nature of the cart contributes to sustainability by reducing carbon emissions and offers substantial savings on fuel and maintenance expenses, potentially earning carbon credits.
The robust construction and advanced technology of the RoamIO-HCT ensure reliability and longevity, promising a fast Return on Investment (ROI), often within 12 months to three years. This makes it a financially sound investment for modern agricultural enterprises looking to enhance productivity, reduce operational overheads, and embrace sustainable farming practices.
Integration & Compatibility
The RoamIO-HCT is engineered for seamless integration into existing farm management ecosystems. Its advanced connectivity features, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enable efficient data transmission, allowing it to communicate with various farm management systems and digital platforms. This compatibility ensures that the data collected by the cart—such as soil analysis results or planting patterns—can be easily incorporated into broader farm planning and decision-making processes.
Farmers can operate the RoamIO-HCT using a provided rugged tablet computer, either through a local Wi-Fi network for direct control or via a remote, cloud-operated connection for oversight from anywhere. This flexibility ensures that the cart can be managed effectively regardless of the farm's existing infrastructure, promoting a smooth transition to autonomous operations without requiring extensive overhauls of current systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How does this product work? | The RoamIO-HCT operates autonomously using state-of-the-art GPS and sensor technology, including multi-constellation multi-band GNSS RTK with dual antennas for centimeter-level accuracy. It navigates predefined paths and executes various agricultural tasks while using AI-powered LiDAR and cameras for obstacle avoidance. Power comes from a 20 kWh lithium battery. |
| What is the typical ROI? | Customers can potentially achieve a Return on Investment (ROI) in as little as 12 months to three years. This is primarily driven by significant reductions in manual labor costs, lower fuel and maintenance expenses due to its electric operation, and potential earnings from carbon credits. |
| What setup/installation is required? | The RoamIO-HCT can be operated via a provided rugged tablet computer, connecting either through local Wi-Fi or a remote, cloud-operated connection. A physical joystick is also available for direct control. Initial setup involves defining operational areas and tasks, which is streamlined by its advanced navigation system that does not require funky calibration maneuvers. |
| What maintenance is needed? | As an electric platform, the RoamIO-HCT generally requires less maintenance than combustion engine alternatives, primarily focusing on its brushless DC motors, 20 kWh lithium battery (with 10+ years of life), and 6-inch steel-reinforced agricultural rubber tracks. Regular checks and servicing of sensors, mechanical components, and software updates are recommended to ensure optimal performance and longevity. |
| Is training required to use this? | While the RoamIO-HCT is designed for intuitive operation via a tablet or joystick, initial training is recommended to fully understand its autonomous navigation capabilities, implement compatibility, safety protocols, and advanced features like AI interaction and remote monitoring. This ensures operators can maximize the cart's efficiency and safety on the farm. |
| What systems does it integrate with? | The RoamIO-HCT is designed for seamless integration with existing farm management systems through its advanced Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. This allows for efficient data transmission and coordination with other agricultural technologies, enhancing overall farm operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making. |
| What is its effective operational range or coverage? | With up to 8 hours of battery life on a single charge, the RoamIO-HCT is capable of maneuvering through diverse agricultural environments, from open fields to greenhouses. Its robust navigation system and load capacity allow it to cover significant areas and execute multiple tasks within a typical workday before requiring a recharge. |
| Can the track widths be adjusted? | Yes, the RoamIO-HCT features customizable track widths. This allows farmers to adjust the robot's footprint to perfectly suit different row spacings, crop types, and specific farming needs, enhancing its versatility and adaptability across various agricultural operations. |
Pricing & Availability
Indicative price for the RoamIO-HCT is approximately 100,000 CAD. This retail price is subject to change based on specific customization requirements, additional implements, and regional factors. The final cost may vary depending on the configuration chosen to best suit individual farm needs. For precise pricing and current availability, please contact us via the Make inquiry button on this page.
Support & Training
Korechi is committed to providing comprehensive support and training for the RoamIO-HCT to ensure users can fully leverage its capabilities. This typically includes initial onboarding, operational guidance, and technical assistance. Training programs are designed to familiarize operators with the cart's autonomous functions, safety features, maintenance routines, and integration with farm management systems, ensuring a smooth and productive user experience.
