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A new and improved version of Naïo Technologies’ autonomous weeding robot, Ted, has been revealed prior to a tour of French vineyards.
Working with long-standing development partners Maison Hennessy and Bernard Magrez, the technological and mechanical improvements are the result of feedback provided by around 20 winegrowers who have used Ted for the past three years, resulting in a new version, now ready for mass production.
The unique robot features a centrally-mounted parallelogram lifting system that can use two tools simultaneously, mounted to a multi-purpose pole. With its robust frame and a bigger electrical motor, the 900kg unit can operate at speeds of up to 4km/h for up to eight hours before recharging is necessary.
Its light weight means that it reduces compaction typically seen with conventional tractors, while also having excellent “climbing” capacity in sloping vineyards. The new design features modular arches, meaning the machine can easily be configured to suit individual vineyard types, such as narrow or high vines layouts.
Much of the concept and design of the platform were thought out while maximising the machine’s safety features, which now means Ted slows down as it approaches an obstacle, and halts the unit immediately if an obstacle is touched.
With effluent management never far from the thoughts of legislators and farmers becoming increasingly aware of the nutrient values of dairy effluent, innovate ideas for the convenient storage and subsequent discharge are always of interest.
While the average size of a tractor in India is much smaller than in Europe or North America, the market is booming, with a record 915,474 tractors sold last year – five times greater than the Western European and three times larger than North American markets.
In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.
Morrinsville based Power Farming Group has launched a flagship New Zealand facility in partnership with global construction manufacturer JCB Construction.
Made in New Zealand looks at the wealth of design and manufacturing ability we have in New Zealand, creating productive and cost-effective products for the agricultural sector. This week machinery editor Mark Daniel takes a closer look at TRS Tyre and Wheel Limited with managing director Nigel Sherborne…
