Robot latest ag tech innovation
A REVOLUTIONARY agricultural robot has been launched in the Darling Downs after 20 years of research and development by a Danish company.
“Robotti” is an autonomous, multipurpose machine which was officially launched at the Agtech and Logistics Hub, by Agrointelli, Corematic and Formatt Machinery.
Engineering director and co-founder at Corematic Engineering Scott Hansen said Robotti was one of the most advanced and proven autonomous systems.
“Almost anything you can do with an auto-steer, you can apply to this machine,” he said.
“This can take the monotonous jobs away and we can re-purpose people into roles where they can bring added value.”
Robotti can be used worldwide for seeding, weeding, spraying and fertilisation in conventional or organic farms, with a lower cost per area unit for both investment and operational cost.
Agrointelli product specialist Jens Johnsen travelled from Denmark to Toowoomba to showcase Robotti’s capabilities.
“In Europe we are mainly using Robotti for seeding and weeding, that’s where we see the most benefit,” he said.
“It’s definitely the future. I think it’s going to be a huge benefit for the farmer.”
Key account manager at Corematic Engineering Cyril Delorme said the need to bring innovation and automation to farmers was evident, especially with labour shortages.
“Farmers are pressing us more and more to see an autonomous system functional here in Australia,” Mr Delorme said.
“After months of discussions with Formatt Machinery and Agrointelli, we decided to bring a first unit over in spite of all the challenges posed by international shipments and travel restrictions.”
The demonstration day at the Agtech and Logistics Hub in Charlton further cemented the region as a leading contributor to Queensland’s Agtech industry.
Community manager Stephen Dummett said it was a great experience seeing the autonomous vehicle in action at the hub.
“This is a commercially ready robot that has already seen significant uptake in Europe,” he said.
“It’s not a concept model, it is paddock ready, available to buy now and well suited to the horticulture sector.”