After eight years of development and refinement, the AVL Motion S9000 asparagus harvesting robot is ready to make its mark on the agricultural landscape. This advanced machine, equipped with twelve harvesting modules, is set to revolutionize the way asparagus is harvested, offering a glimpse into the future of precision agriculture.
The S9000’s journey to market readiness has been meticulously documented. Over the past years, four prototype machines have been rigorously tested to refine components and maximize reliability. Sander Wientjes of AVL Motion confidently asserts that this phase is now complete, paving the way for the robot’s full market entry. With an impressive capacity of 80,000 kilos of asparagus per year and up to 6,000 harvesting actions per hour, the S9000 is poised to make a significant impact. Wientjes anticipates that by 2028, at least 150 units will be operational across Europe, with a significant number destined for German growers.
The economic viability of the S9000 is a critical factor for farmers considering this technological leap. According to Wientjes, an OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) calculation conducted by AVL Motion reveals that the robot offers a cost advantage. With a hand-harvester, the cost per kilo of asparagus is €1.31, while the S9000 brings this down to €0.92. This calculation factors in the robot’s price tag of €400,000 (excluding VAT), making a compelling case for its economic benefits.
The S9000’s design and functionality are as impressive as its economic potential. Measuring approximately 6 meters in length and 2.4 meters in width, the robot is maneuvered via remote control. Its innovative carousel system, equipped with twelve independently moving arms, ensures efficient harvesting. Each arm features a cup-shaped harvesting module that detects, cuts, and collects asparagus in a seamless cycle. This system allows for consecutive yet independent harvesting and unloading, minimizing time loss and maximizing capacity.
The robot’s reliability is a testament to AVL Motion’s commitment to minimizing downtime. Arno van Lankveld, a key figure in the development of the S9000, emphasizes the importance of a compact, reliable design. The robot’s modular structure allows for easy maintenance and quick replacement of malfunctioning components. Additionally, the drive system is designed for simplicity, with a diesel engine powering a generator and compressor, ensuring quick and efficient repairs if needed.
The National Fieldlab for Precision Farming (NPPL) is actively involved in validating the S9000’s performance. At grower Teboza, researchers are conducting independent studies to compare the robot’s harvesting standards and quality against manual harvesting. This project aims to provide growers with a comprehensive understanding of the robot’s capabilities and potential economic benefits. Agro-robotics researcher Toon Tielen hopes that this project will also raise awareness among growers about the potential of robotics in agriculture.
For growers like Rik Kursten of Teboza, the S9000 represents an opportunity to reduce dependence on seasonal labor and enhance reliability. Despite the challenges posed by varying weather and soil conditions, Kursten is impressed by the robot’s rapid development, particularly in asparagus detection and harvesting efficiency. However, ensuring reliability throughout the harvest season remains a critical challenge.
AVL Motion co-founder and CFO Raymond van den Bos highlights the robot’s ability to perform at a consistently high level, thanks to its self-learning algorithm. This feature sets the S9000 apart from human labor, where performance can vary. Nevertheless, growers remain cautious about investing in this new technology, underscoring the need for continued demonstration of its reliability and economic benefits.
As the S9000 prepares to enter the market, it brings with it the promise of a more efficient, reliable, and economically viable future for asparagus farming. The journey from development to market readiness has been a testament to AVL Motion’s dedication to innovation and precision agriculture. With the S9000, the future of asparagus harvesting is not just about keeping pace with technological advancements but leading the way.