Machinery Continued from p69
minutes to log the weeding plan into the system. It is important for this to be accurate from the start, as it will de- termine reliable performance.”
Safety and performance Field obstacles such as telegraph poles and trees are logged at the program- ming stage. Any obstacles outside of this will stop the robot in its tracks safely in the field, until the obstacle is removed from its path.
An online portal provides real-time updates of the machine’s progress. This means the operator can check the field- work progress remotely – rather than having to visit the field to see the ma- chine at work. “I can leave Robotti working in the field quite happily, knowing it will send me an alert if there is an issue, or if something unexpected is in its way. It has front and rear cameras, which I can view at any time,” says Mr Williams. “The portal tells me how much fuel is in the tank, how many hours it has done, and how much time it has left before the fuel runs out. It will also tell me when it’s finished one field, so I can ensure it’s taken to the next field to start its new job.”
Robot performs well in all conditions
Trials show the Robotti works well on heavier land – as well as lighter soil types like those at Home Farm Nacton. Agrointelli says the robot is especially effective with bed systems and row crops. This is because the robot carries the im- plement in the centre, distributing its weight evenly across all four wheels. The machine’s low ground pressure, low weight and four-wheel drive capability make it less likely to get stuck than a conventional tractor while reducing compaction and struc- tural damage to the soil. Gordon Cummings of Fram Farmers was in- strumental in bringing the Robotti to the UK.
The process was simple, and the farmer-owned cooperative was proud to be able to offer the supplier relationship to its other members too. Mr Cummings said: “The interest in auton- omous tractors has been around a long time, and we’re delighted to have been involved in bringing this to the UK for Andrew and the team at Home Farm Nacton.
“Many of our fresh produce grower members
will have the chance to see Robotti in opera- tion at Home Farm over the next few months, demonstrating the benefits and efficiencies that forward-thinking technology can bring to the sector.”
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JUNE 2021 • ANGLIA FARMER 71
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