Unmanned Ground Vehicle by Robotics Plus

Description

Robotics Plus UGV provides a unique modular architecture for a highly adaptable Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) for orchard and vineyard tasks. It is built with a combination of vision systems and other technologies and can be used for multiple applications such as spraying, weed control, mulching, mowing and crop analysis.

The price of RP’s UGV is between allegedly between $150.000 – $200.000. The UGV was unveiled in late 2022, so the price is not yet confirmed.

Robotics Plus, a New Zealand–based agritech company, has unveiled an autonomous multi–use, modular platform Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) designed to carry out a variety of orchard and vineyard machine tasks – to alleviate ongoing labor shortages and transform the industry.

This highly adaptable and configurable agricultural platform can be used for multiple tasks such as spraying, weed control, mulching, mowing and crop analysis. It is built with a combination of vision systems and other technologies to sense the environment and optimize tasks, allowing intelligent and targeted application of inputs such as sprays. The UGV has a small footprint and unique steering configuration, incorporating electric steering and independent motors, which increases productivity and allows significantly more ground to be covered. It is powered by a hybrid electric diesel system and has regenerative braking and high–capacity batteries for extended efficiency and range. It is easy to service and is designed to reduce downtime and complexity for growers.

This product can revolutionize agriculture and provide a good return on investment by replacing tractors and other tools, as well as providing data–driven insights for informed decision–making. Robotics Plus has partnered with best–in–class technology suppliers to increase the robustness and support for the product. With its unique modular architecture, growers can rotate multiple tools across a single vehicle, increasing asset utilization relative to single–function vehicles.

Robotics Plus, a New Zealand–based agritech company, has unveiled an autonomous multi–use, modular platform Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) designed to carry out a variety of orchard and vineyard machine tasks – to alleviate ongoing labor shortages and transform the industry. This highly adaptable and configurable agricultural platform can be used for multiple tasks such as spraying, weed control, mulching, mowing and crop analysis.

It is built with a combination of vision systems and other technologies to sense the environment and optimize tasks, allowing intelligent and targeted application of inputs such as sprays. The UGV has a small footprint and unique steering configuration, incorporating electric steering and independent motors, which increases productivity and allows significantly more ground to be covered. It is powered by a hybrid electric diesel system and has regenerative braking and high–capacity batteries for extended efficiency and range. It is easy to service and is designed to reduce downtime and complexity for growers.

This product can revolutionize agriculture and provide a good return on investment by replacing tractors and other tools, as well as providing data–driven insights for informed decision–making. Robotics Plus has partnered with best–in–class technology suppliers to increase the robustness and support for the product. With its unique modular architecture, growers can rotate multiple tools across a single vehicle, increasing asset utilization relative to single–function vehicles.

Features

• Intelligent and Efficient Spraying: With advanced sensing technologies, this UGV can detect foliage coverage and adjust spray flow rates accordingly to optimize efficacy while minimizing inputs. Spray rates and airspeed are controlled in zones and respond to changes in the orchard or vineyard rows. This results in significantly reduced spray use compared to traditional human-operated sprayers.
• Versatile and Adaptable: This UGV platform is designed to be compatible with a variety of Robotics Plus/Quantum Spray configurations, making it suitable for a wide range of crop types, growing formats, and heights.
• High Maneuverability: With a compact design and innovative steering mechanism, this vehicle can turn on its rear axle with a minimum headland requirement of 21ft (6.4m), allowing for faster coverage and higher productivity in orchards. With a minimum row spacing of 6ft (1.8m), this UGV can be deployed in a wider variety of applications and crops. Additionally, its lightweight design and tire/wheel configuration helps minimize soil compaction.
• Flexible Platform for All Jobs: This UGV has been developed to be adaptable to a variety of tools and implements, making it a valuable year-round automation asset that maximizes machine utilization. The modular architecture allows for customization based on crop type and application.
• Hybrid Technology for Extended Operation: This vehicle features electric drive motors for superior torque and control, as well as a Tier 4 diesel generator engine for extended operation. Regenerative braking and high-capacity batteries provide extended range, and the all-wheel-drive system ensures reliable performance on various terrains, including slopes up to 20ft and lateral slopes up to 10ft.
• User-Friendly Design: This UGV can be controlled by two operators, either from a fixed or mobile console, and supports multiple machines for added convenience.