The Crop-Spraying Robot Reduces Emissions and Herbicide Use

Spraying orchards and vineyards is not environmentally friendly, as tractors emit exhaust while applying herbicides and pesticides. This issue was a key motivation behind the development of the electric, autonomous Prospr robot.

Created by the New Zealand agritech firm Robotics Plus, this all-wheel-drive robotic vehicle was introduced last September at the FIRA agricultural robotics show in California and is now being used commercially in New Zealand, Australia, and the U.S.

The robot includes several features, such as a refillable spray tank, multiple spray fans, a diesel generator, a battery pack, and four knobby tires, each powered by its own electric motor.

Efficient Power Management for Spraying Tasks

For shorter spraying tasks, Prospr can run solely on battery power. For longer jobs, the generator activates to produce electricity, enabling the robot to operate all day without needing to recharge or refuel. Consequently, Prospr is said to use up to 72% less fuel than a conventional diesel tractor performing the same work.

GPS Navigation and Obstacle Detection System

Using GPS, the robot navigates up and down rows of vines or trees, spraying crops on either side as it moves. It employs a combination of LiDAR sensors and cameras to detect obstacles, slowing down or stopping when necessary.

Additionally, Prospr features a pressure-sensitive front bumper that halts the robot if it meets significant resistance. In case of emergencies, there’s also an emergency stop button on the vehicle.

At the end of each row, a patented steering mechanism enables the robot to pivot on its rear axle, minimizing its turning radius for a smoother transition to the next row.

Customizable Spray Application and Remote Monitoring

Users can interchange various numbers and types of spray fans as needed and program the robot to apply different amounts of herbicide or pesticide in specific areas of the orchard or vineyard, reducing chemical usage. They can also track the progress of multiple Prospr robots through a control panel on their laptop or tablet and even take manual control if required.

If you’d like to see the robot in action, it will be showcased again this week at the FIRA show in Sacramento, with its capabilities demonstrated in the accompanying video.

Prospr is not the only robot designed for tending vineyards or orchards. Several others are currently in development, while the Slovenian-designed Slopehelper and the larger Herbicide GUSS are already commercially available.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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