At the Sima 2022 trade fair in Paris, the agricultural machinery industry was abuzz with the debut of the Loadix, an autonomous telehandler from the French start-up ManuRob. While the initial unveiling was more of a conceptual shell, the progress since then has been remarkable. ManuRob, part of the M-extend group, has now transitioned from a non-functional prototype to operational pre-series models. This shift raises an intriguing question: is the era of autonomous ‘material handling’ upon us?
The Loadix, a battery-electric autonomous front loader, has evolved significantly since its introduction. ManuRob released a YouTube video last year showcasing the telehandler in action, and at the EuroTier trade fair in November, the company presented its first German user—a farmer with a biogas plant. This year, a select number of pre-series models will be deployed in France and Germany on a rental basis. Users will be invoiced based on the number of tons processed per month, marking a significant step towards commercialization.
ManuRob’s Loadix is not the only player in this emerging field. At the Intermat trade fair in April 2024, Bobcat unveiled its autonomous electric loader, the RogueX2, currently in the R&D phase. Volvo CE also introduced a prototype of an autonomous electric mini loader, the LX03, in 2021. These developments indicate a growing trend towards autonomous material handling solutions in the agricultural sector.
While full autonomy is still a work in progress, Weidemann showcased an interesting development at the last EuroTier. The German company’s electric Hoftrac 1190e imp mini loader features a ‘Follow Me’ function, allowing the vehicle to closely follow a person within a few meters. This innovation enhances safety in tasks requiring frequent stepping on and off, such as placing temporary fencing or carrying out pruning and cleaning work.
The implications of these advancements are profound. Autonomous material handling could revolutionize agricultural operations, increasing efficiency and safety. However, the technology is still in its nascent stages, and widespread adoption may take time. ManuRob’s Loadix, for instance, is initially targeting businesses with biogas installations and will not expand to other European markets before 2028.
The Loadix will be available in a single variant with a load capacity of 2 tons and a maximum lifting height of 4.10 meters. It can drive at a maximum speed of 7.2 km/h and handle slopes of up to 30%. The vehicle is fully electric, equipped with a 60 kWh battery, and can autonomously connect and disconnect attachments using the Speedlink system. Charging is also fully autonomous, and the Loadix can navigate both outdoors and indoors thanks to TRK GPS, LiDAR, and IMU sensors. Safety features meet the ISO 3991 standard for autonomous vehicles.
As the agricultural industry continues to evolve, the race towards autonomous material handling is heating up. With ManuRob, Bobcat, and Volvo CE leading the charge, it’s clear that the future of farming is increasingly autonomous. The next few years will be crucial in determining how quickly this technology is adopted and integrated into mainstream agricultural practices.