Wine grower Stéphane Dubreuil has shared his experience after the first 100 hours with his TRAXX robot, highlighting both the benefits and challenges he has encountered. The TRAXX robot, developed by Exxact Robotics, is a thermal robot designed for vineyard straddling. Dubreuil praises the simplicity and fuel efficiency of the robot, but also sheds light on software glitches and the need for reliable autonomy.
Dubreuil, who operates a 50-hectare vineyard in Couddes, Centre-Val-de-Loire, France, is the first customer of the TRAXX robot. He notes that the robot’s 56-horsepower diesel engine, housed in a light and compact vehicle, offers remarkable fuel efficiency. While he previously used 8 liters of fuel per hour with a conventional straddle harvester, he now only uses 2.5 liters per hour with the TRAXX robot.
One of the major advantages of the TRAXX robot over an electric straddler is its simplicity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. The robot has 15 to 20 hours of autonomy, eliminating the need for daily recharging. Dubreuil also highlights the reassurance of working with a familiar system, as farmers are better equipped to repair the machine if necessary.
In terms of cost, the TRAXX robot is competitively priced compared to conventional straddle carriers and is €50,000 less expensive than an electric robot. Dubreuil expects to receive €52,000 in grants from the PCAE subsidy, further reducing the overall cost. The package also includes support and training for the machine, as well as coverage of eight hectares for surveying.
Since its introduction to Dubreuil’s farm in June, the TRAXX robot has accumulated 110 hours of work and has tilled six hectares. The robot’s tools assembly includes homemade weeding blades and a set of disks and tines. While Dubreuil feels it is too early to provide global productivity feedback, he finds the machine easy to use, thanks to the training provided by the manufacturer.
However, the robot has encountered reliability issues, particularly on the software side. For example, a rear bumper broke and lifting the tools required human assistance. Despite these challenges, Dubreuil is confident in the regular software updates provided by the manufacturer. Repairs are divided between the dealer, who handles the hardware part, and the manufacturer, who focuses on software updates.
Currently, the TRAXX robot cannot operate autonomously due to regulations and software reliability. Dubreuil must perform other tasks simultaneously, with or without a tractor. However, he hopes to achieve profitability within five years once regulations and software reliability allow for autonomous operation.
Overall, Dubreuil’s experience with the TRAXX robot has been promising, with its simplicity, fuel efficiency, and cost-effectiveness standing out as major advantages. While there have been challenges with software glitches and reliable autonomy, Dubreuil remains optimistic about the future of the technology. With regular software updates and improvements, he believes the TRAXX robot has the potential to revolutionize vineyard operations.