A Slovenian manufacturer has launched a new, even smaller field robot model dedicated to vineyards ranging from 5 to 20 hectares at the World FIRA, reports FutureFarming. Their new model is called Agilehelper.

A multifunctional robot

The Slovenian robot manufacturer PeK Automotive, the producer of the multifunctional vineyard and orchard robot Slopehelper, chose this year's World FIRA to introduce its new field robot model Agilehelper. Agilehelper is actually a "smaller" version of the Slopehelper.

Smaller in terms of its dimensions, Agilehelper measures 3.96 meters in length, 1.25 meters in width, and 1.76 meters in height, but also in terms of the battery pack. Agilehelper's power pack is equivalent to 28 kWh, while Slopehelper has a 42 kWh battery.

With its narrower width, the new field robot primarily targets vineyards with narrower row distances.

Slopehelper consists of a base platform capable of transporting and operating currently 13 different tools for vineyards and orchards, including an apple picker.

Three standard equipment

Another distinctive factor between the two robot models is that Slopehelper consists of a base platform capable of transporting and operating currently 13 different tools for vineyards and orchards, including an apple picker.

Agilehelper comes standard with 3 different tools for vineyards: a motorized single-rotor grapple, a drum shredder for grass cutting between rows, and horizontal and vertical blade cutters. The manufacturer is currently also working on a spraying attachment that is already available on their other robot model.

Agilehelper weighs 1,900 kilograms and can operate between 8 and 12 hours with a fully charged battery, driving at speeds between 0.5 and 5 km/h. Charging the 28 kWh battery takes 8 hours with a standard charger and 3 hours with a fast charging system that will be introduced soon.

The robot navigates similarly to Slopehelper, relying on 3 radars, sensors, and an IMU. However, it lacks GNSS navigation technology.

By physically marking the beginning and end of each row with a metal reflector, both Agilehelper and Slopehelper know when and where to return (autonomously). The vehicles can handle slopes of up to 42 degrees. (Photo: Freepik)