German engineering company Digital Workbench has unveiled its latest innovation, the Tipard 1800 field robot, at the Agritechnica 2023 trade fair. This modular autonomous tool carrier is not only designed for hoeing machines but also boasts a range of applications including weed control and fruit and berry harvesting.
One of the standout features of the Tipard 1800 is its ability to adjust its track width, making it highly versatile in various agricultural settings. With a hydraulic adjustment range of 1.5 to 2.7 meters, the robot can navigate narrow spaces such as orchards. Additionally, the ground clearance is also hydraulically adjustable from 0.85 to 1.1 meters, ensuring optimal performance in different terrains.
Equipped with four-wheel drive and steering capabilities, the Tipard 1800 can maneuver with ease, allowing it to make tight turns at the headland and drive in multiple directions across a plot or through a crop. This includes lengthwise, widthwise, and crab steering movements. The robot is capable of carrying tools in different positions and can lift up to an impressive 800 kilograms.
In terms of motorization and driveline, the Tipard 1800 features a 25 hp diesel engine as a generator and one or more lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries with a capacity of 14 kWh. The number of batteries can be adjusted according to the user’s needs. With a maximum driving speed of 6 km/h, the robot combines power and efficiency.
The Tipard 1800 field robot is already commercially available, with prices starting at €135,500. This makes it a significant investment for farmers and agricultural professionals looking to enhance their efficiency and productivity. However, the robot’s modular design and wide range of applications make it a versatile tool that can potentially revolutionize various aspects of farming.
By offering automated solutions for tasks such as hoeing, weed control, and fruit and berry harvesting, the Tipard 1800 field robot has the potential to streamline operations and reduce the reliance on manual labor. This not only increases efficiency but also addresses the growing labor shortage in the agriculture industry.
Furthermore, the robot’s autonomous capabilities allow it to work continuously without the need for constant human supervision. This frees up valuable time for farmers to focus on other critical aspects of their operations, leading to improved overall productivity.
The unveiling of the Tipard 1800 field robot marks another milestone in the advancement of agricultural technology. As the industry continues to embrace automation and robotics, it is clear that these innovations have the potential to transform the way we farm, making it more efficient, sustainable, and ultimately more profitable.