The VitiBot Bakus stands as a pioneering autonomous vineyard robot, meticulously engineered to redefine vineyard maintenance and viticultural practices. This advanced agricultural technology product from VitiBot Bakus combines state-of-the-art robotics with a commitment to sustainable farming, offering a comprehensive solution for modern winegrowers. Designed to operate with remarkable precision and efficiency, the Bakus robot addresses critical challenges facing the viticulture industry, from labor shortages to environmental impact.
By leveraging 100% electric propulsion and sophisticated autonomous navigation, the VitiBot Bakus ensures optimal vine health and productivity while significantly reducing operational costs and ecological footprints. It represents a strategic investment for agriculture specialists seeking to enhance their vineyard management through innovative, reliable, and environmentally responsible technology. The robot's modular design and versatile tool system allow it to perform a wide array of tasks, making it an indispensable asset for vineyards of all sizes and terrains.
Key Features
The VitiBot Bakus is distinguished by its fully electric and autonomous operation, setting a new standard for sustainable viticulture. Powered by 75 kWh Lithium-Ion batteries, it delivers silent, zero-emission performance for up to 14 hours on a single charge, depending on the tasks and conditions. This electric nature not only reduces the carbon footprint but also lowers hourly operating costs to less than 2€, offering significant economic advantages to farmers.
Precision is at the core of the Bakus's design, featuring dual RTK GPS modules that provide navigation accuracy of less than 1 cm. This unparalleled precision enables the robot to execute tasks with extreme meticulousness, ensuring every vine receives optimal care. Furthermore, the robot's modular and versatile tool system allows for easy attachment and interchangeability of various passive and electric implements. This includes unique electric inter-vine tools and an innovative confined spraying system that can recover up to 80% of applied products, minimizing waste and environmental exposure.
Beyond efficiency and precision, the VitiBot Bakus prioritizes environmental sustainability and worker safety. Its optimized weight distribution and low-pressure Michelin Multibib tires (0.9 bar) significantly reduce soil compaction, fostering healthier soil ecosystems. By automating tasks involving phytosanitary products, the robot removes operators from direct exposure to harmful chemicals and reduces risks of musculoskeletal disorders and overturning, enhancing overall farm safety. The robot's robust design, crafted with 83% French components, underscores its reliability and durability, while its adaptability, offered in Bakus S and Bakus L models, ensures suitability for diverse vineyard layouts.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Energy Source | 100% electric, 75 kWh Lithium-Ion batteries |
| Autonomy | 10-14 hours of work (depending on conditions and tools) |
| Charging Time (0-80%) | 2 hours (with fast charger) |
| Charging Time (Full) | 6-8 hours (with slow charger) |
| Navigation System | Fully autonomous with 2 RTK GPS (<1 cm accuracy) |
| Tires | Michelin Multibib 320/65 R16 (Low pressure 0.9 bar) |
| Slopes Capability (Longitudinal) | Up to 45% |
| Slopes Capability (Side) | >20% or 25% |
| Turnaround Space | 4 m headland space |
| Control | Remote control via smartphone application, manual override options |
| Safety Features | 2 RTK GPS, 2 inertial control units, 12 mechanical detectors, remote emergency stop, human detection cameras |
| Bakus S Dimensions (L x W x H) | 3.50 m x 1.75 m x 2 m |
| Bakus S Passage Height x Width | 1.75 m x 0.60 m |
| Bakus S Track | 1.10 m |
| Bakus S Tare Weight | 2,050 kg |
| Bakus L Dimensions (L x W x H) | 3.50 m x 1.95 m x 2.50 m |
| Bakus L Passage Height x Width | 2.20 m x 0.80 m |
| Bakus L Track | 1.30 m |
| Bakus L Tare Weight | 2,400 kg |
Use Cases & Applications
The VitiBot Bakus is engineered to perform a diverse range of critical tasks within vineyards, significantly improving efficiency and sustainability. One primary application is mechanical weeding and herbicide-free soil work, which is particularly valuable for organic viticulture where chemical use is restricted. The robot's precision tools effectively manage weeds between vines without damaging the plants or compacting the soil.
Another key use case is precision spraying of fertilizers, pesticides, and plant protection products. The Bakus can be equipped with a confined recovery spraying system that achieves up to 80% product recovery, drastically reducing chemical runoff and environmental contamination. This targeted application ensures optimal plant health while minimizing chemical input.
For soil management and cultivation, the robot can utilize various implements such as inter-vine cultivators, plows, rotary star tillers, and disc harrows. This allows for tailored soil preparation and maintenance, promoting aeration and nutrient distribution essential for vine growth.
Furthermore, the Bakus supports mowing and trimming operations, maintaining vineyard pathways and managing canopy growth with precision. Its autonomous nature ensures consistent results across large areas, freeing up human labor for more specialized tasks.
Finally, the robot facilitates precision farming practices by collecting and analyzing data on soil conditions, plant health, and environmental factors. This information can be used to make informed decisions, optimize resource allocation, and improve overall vineyard productivity and quality.
Strengths & Weaknesses
| Strengths ✅ | Weaknesses ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| 100% Electric & Zero Emissions: Contributes to environmental sustainability and a reduced carbon footprint. | High Initial Investment: Approximately USD 230,000, which can be a barrier for smaller operations. |
| Fully Autonomous & High Precision (RTK GPS): Ensures meticulous vine care with sub-centimeter accuracy, reducing labor needs. | Requires 4m Headland Space: Limits usability in vineyards with very tight turning areas. |
| Modular & Versatile Tool System: Supports a wide range of tasks, enhancing operational flexibility. | Charging Time: While fast charging exists, a full charge can take 6-8 hours, requiring planning. |
| Low Operating Cost: Electrical energy results in less than 2€ per hour, offering long-term savings. | Reliance on GPS Signal: Optimal performance depends on consistent RTK GPS signal availability. |
| Enhanced Worker Safety: Eliminates exposure to phytosanitary products and reduces physical strain/MSDs. | |
| Reduced Soil Compaction: Optimized weight distribution and low-pressure tires promote soil health. | |
| Comprehensive Support & Training: VitiBot offers tailored accompaniment from mapping to user training. |
Benefits for Farmers
The VitiBot Bakus offers substantial benefits for farmers, directly impacting their operational efficiency, economic viability, and environmental stewardship. By automating labor-intensive tasks, it significantly reduces labor costs and addresses challenges associated with labor availability in viticulture. The robot's electric propulsion leads to lower fuel expenses and minimal maintenance, further contributing to cost savings over its lifespan.
The precision farming capabilities of Bakus result in optimized resource utilization. Accurate navigation and targeted application of treatments minimize waste of water, fertilizers, and pesticides, leading to healthier vines and potentially improved yields and grape quality. Its ability to perform herbicide-free soil work aligns with growing demands for organic and sustainable farming practices, enhancing the vineyard's environmental profile.
Furthermore, the VitiBot Bakus enhances worker safety and comfort by removing personnel from hazardous environments and reducing physically demanding tasks, thereby decreasing risks of accidents and musculoskeletal disorders. The quiet, electric operation also improves the working environment for both operators and nearby communities. The availability of financing options and cooperative models, such as Cuma in France, can also reduce the individual financial burden of adoption and unlock access to subsidies, making this advanced technology more accessible.
Integration & Compatibility
The VitiBot Bakus is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing vineyard operations, enhancing rather than replacing the expertise of viticulture specialists. Its autonomous functionality allows it to operate independently within mapped vineyard parameters, freeing up human resources for more strategic oversight and specialized tasks. The robot's control via a smartphone application ensures that operators can manage and monitor its activities remotely, fitting into modern farm management workflows.
While specific integrations with third-party farm management software or data platforms are not explicitly detailed, the Bakus's role in precision farming suggests its potential to contribute valuable data on soil conditions, plant health, and application rates. This data can be utilized for informed decision-making and optimization of vineyard practices, aligning with broader digital agriculture strategies. Its modular tool system ensures compatibility with a wide array of existing vineyard implements, allowing farmers to leverage their current equipment where appropriate, or upgrade to VitiBot's specialized electric tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How does this product work? | The VitiBot Bakus operates autonomously using dual RTK GPS for precise navigation within vineyard rows. It is 100% electric, powered by 75 kWh Lithium-Ion batteries, and performs various tasks with modular electric tools. Farmers can monitor and control the robot via a smartphone application, with manual override capabilities. |
| What is the typical ROI? | The VitiBot Bakus offers a strong return on investment through reduced labor costs, lower fuel consumption, and precise application of treatments, minimizing waste. Its low hourly operating cost (less than 2€) and potential access to subsidies, especially through cooperative models like Cuma in France, can lead to a payback period estimated at 2 to 3 years. |
| What setup/installation is required? | Initial setup involves site-specific cartography and slope calibration to map the vineyard for autonomous navigation. The robot utilizes RTK GPS for precise positioning, which requires proper configuration. VitiBot provides tailored accompaniment, including domain compliance review and mapping services, to ensure proper implementation. |
| What maintenance is needed? | Maintenance for the VitiBot Bakus primarily involves routine checks of its electric components, batteries, and the various modular tools. Its electric nature generally leads to lower maintenance requirements compared to combustion engine machinery. Regular software updates are also part of ongoing maintenance to ensure optimal performance and access to new features. |
| Is training required to use this? | Yes, training is required to effectively operate the VitiBot Bakus. VitiBot offers comprehensive user training for operators on how to use the robot, manage the smartphone application for remote control, handle manual override options, and correctly attach and utilize the various modular tools. |
| What systems does it integrate with? | The VitiBot Bakus is designed to integrate seamlessly into modern vineyard management practices. While specific third-party system integrations are not detailed, its precision farming capabilities, including analyzing soil conditions and plant health, suggest compatibility with data-driven agricultural platforms. Its autonomous operation allows it to function as a key component of a smart farm ecosystem. |
Pricing & Availability
The VitiBot Bakus is an advanced agricultural investment, with an indicative price of approximately USD 230,000. Pricing can vary based on the specific model (Bakus S or Bakus L), chosen tool configurations, inclusion of fast chargers, and regional factors. Entry-level machines may start around A$200,000, while full-option machines for challenging terrains, including specialized tools and fast chargers, can reach A$300,000. Financing options are available, and cooperative models, such as the Cuma in France, can significantly reduce the individual financial burden and unlock access to various subsidies. For a precise quote tailored to your vineyard's specific needs and to inquire about current availability, contact us via the Make inquiry button on this page.
Support & Training
VitiBot is committed to providing comprehensive support and training to ensure optimal utilization and satisfaction with the Bakus robot. This tailored accompaniment includes a domain compliance review to assess vineyard suitability, assistance with financial aid applications, meticulous vineyard mapping for autonomous operation, and thorough user training for operators. This ensures that farmers are well-equipped to integrate the Bakus into their operations, maximizing its efficiency and benefits from day one.
