In the heart of the Netherlands, a quiet revolution is underway on the arable fields of Werkendam. Vermuë Arable Farming BV, a forward-thinking farm managed by Marijn Vermuë, has taken a significant step into the future of agriculture by acquiring an AgBot T2 traction robot. This isn’t just a test run; it’s a commitment to exploring how automation can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact.
Vermuë’s 160-hectare farm is a patchwork of processing potatoes, red onions, sugar beets, winter wheat, bush beans, seed potatoes, and silage maize. The farm’s diverse crop plan is a testament to its adaptability, but it also presents unique challenges. Marijn Vermuë is no stranger to innovation. He joined his father’s farm in 2015 and has since been integrating precision farming techniques to maximize yield and efficiency. By 2020, he was already using task maps to adjust planting distances based on soil density and varying herbicide dosages according to soil weight.
The foundation of these precision techniques lies in soil potential maps supplied by Van Iperen within the Precision Farming Plus project. These maps, combined with germination tests, guide Vermuë’s planting strategies. “Where the soil is lighter, I plant at wider spacing; where it is heavier, I plant more densely,” he explains. This approach, while theoretically sound, requires practical validation through test strips to confirm its effectiveness.
The AgBot T2, an electric-powered tracked tractor from AgXeed, is set to become a key player in Vermuë’s precision farming arsenal. The robot, weighing in at 6 tons with an output of 156 horsepower, can be fitted with existing implements via the three-point hitch. Its wide tracks and lighter weight make it ideal for spring work, reducing the risk of soil compaction.
Vermuë’s primary goal is to integrate the AgBot into his farm operations seamlessly. He aims to use it for tasks ranging from mulching cover crops and preparing the land to soil cultivation after harvest. The robot’s ability to work around the clock, without the need for breaks or social obligations, is a significant advantage. However, the real test will be in determining how much work is required to manage the machine and how many man-hours it will save.
The National Experimental Farm for Precision Agriculture (NPPL) is closely monitoring this experiment. As part of the NPPL-R 2025 project, the possibilities and limitations of autonomous tractors, seeding robots, and weeding robots are being tested on Dutch commercial farms. Vermuë’s farm is one of the selected sites, providing a real-world laboratory for these innovations.
The big question remains: how easy is it to integrate a multi-purpose robot into existing farm operations? Koen van Boheemen from Wageningen University & Research (WUR) is leading the charge in understanding what is needed to make the robot work, what it can and can’t do yet, and what changes might be required to machines, cropping systems, and planning. The financial picture is also a crucial factor, and the project aims to provide a clear understanding of the costs and benefits.
Vermuë’s journey with the AgBot T2 is just beginning, but it holds the promise of a future where technology and agriculture converge to create more efficient, sustainable, and profitable farming practices. As the robot takes to the fields, the world watches, eager to see what it delivers and what the real costs are. For Marijn Vermuë, this is more than just a test; it’s a step towards the future of arable farming.