In a significant advancement for sustainable agriculture, the Italian company Free Green Nature has unveiled the Icaro X4, an autonomous hybrid robot designed to tackle fungal diseases in vineyards without the use of chemical treatments. This innovative solution aims to combat prevalent threats such as downy and powdery mildew that can devastate grape crops, all while promoting environmentally friendly practices in viticulture.
The Icaro X4 stands out as the world’s first hybrid robot specifically engineered for fungal disease control. Its primary function is to prevent the proliferation of harmful fungi, utilizing specialized UVC lamps that emit light to disrupt the reproductive cycles of these pathogens. By operating autonomously around the clock, the Icaro X4 can maintain vineyard health more consistently and efficiently than traditional methods, which often rely on chemical fungicides.
Powered by a diesel engine that recharges its battery during operation, the Icaro X4 is equipped with a three-phase brushless motor, providing a peak power of 13 kW and a high torque output of 4,000 Nm. This robust powertrain enables the robot to navigate the challenging terrain of vineyards, including tight rows as narrow as 1,800 mm. The UVC lamps can extend up to 2,700 mm, allowing for effective treatment across varying vine heights.
One of the standout features of the Icaro X4 is its advanced navigation system. Utilizing RTK precision technology, the robot can operate autonomously even in the absence of a satellite signal. This capability is bolstered by a sophisticated 3D vision system that employs Time of Flight (TOF) cameras to create a detailed map of the vineyard. Prior to deployment, the vineyard is thoroughly mapped, allowing the robot to georeference obstacles, preferred routes, and other critical parameters. This meticulous planning ensures that the Icaro X4 can navigate safely and efficiently, minimizing the need for human intervention.
Safety and responsiveness are further enhanced by the robot’s comprehensive sensor suite, which includes cameras on all four sides providing a 360-degree view. This feature allows the Icaro X4 to detect nearby people and animals, ensuring safe operation in the field. Additionally, a built-in weather station monitors environmental conditions, enabling an algorithm to analyze data and determine optimal times for fungal treatment, thereby maximizing the robot’s efficacy.
The Icaro X4 also boasts versatility with the option to install a rear lift capable of supporting up to 450 kg. This lift can carry a specialized lawn mower, expanding to a width of 2,400 mm, thereby enhancing the robot’s utility beyond fungal control.
With dimensions of 3,085 mm in length, 1,550 mm in width, and a height of 2,700 mm when the lamps are extended, the Icaro X4 is designed for maneuverability in the vineyard environment. Weighing 1,450 kg and requiring a minimum turning space of 3 meters, it is engineered for efficiency in narrow vineyard rows.
Available for sale in the European Union at a price of €160,000 (approximately US $168,000), the Icaro X4 includes the commissioning and installation of the weather station, making it a comprehensive solution for vineyard management.
The introduction of the Icaro X4 represents a pivotal shift in how vineyards can address the challenges of fungal diseases. By reducing reliance on chemical treatments, this autonomous robot not only promises to improve vineyard health but also aligns with the growing demand for sustainable agricultural practices. As the industry increasingly embraces technology, the Icaro X4 could set a new standard for vineyard management, potentially transforming the landscape of grape cultivation in the years to come.