The project is carried out by the company Agrirobo operating in Wrocław Technology Park (WTP ) together with Wrocław University of Technology and the University of Environmental and Life Sciences in Wrocław.

The innovative design allows the robot to automate agricultural work in the orchard. "Agribot" moves on tracks and uses interchangeable tools. It can be used for various tasks: spraying, pruning, fertilizing. Numerous sensors and precise GPS allows it to autonomously navigate the designated area.

As reported on WPT website, the first international presentation of "Agribot" took place at the agriculture trade fair Agritechnica in Hanover. Not only potential buyers, but also head of robotics in the European Commission expressed their appreciation for the project. Agrirobo is the only Polish company invited to EuRobotics association based in Brussels.

Work on the prototype of "Agribot" began in June 2012. Field tests were performed a year later.

"Agribot" is equipped with various sensors to detect obstacles and a precise location using GPS locator with an accuracy of one centimetre. The vehicle can autonomously navigate between rows of plants in orchards and vineyards. Two arms allow the machine to perform two operations in one pass, such as spraying and mowing.

In addition, the robot can be fitted with an intelligent sprayer, precision fertilizer spreader , soil quality monitoring system, automatic mowers and pruners.

"Agribot" may also be used for irrigation, in a farm procedure that protects flowers and fruits from spring frost. It involves spraying water over the trees in the orchard. The robot can even make fog with special nozzles - gas blowers, which also save water.

Maintenance-free spraying at any time of the day or night allows the grower to save a considerable amount of time. With the spray recovery system, saving also have a financial dimension.

Agrirobo R&D department are working on equipping the robot with a system to collect fruits, such as apples. Together with the University of Environmental and Life Sciences research is carried out on the possibility of using non-chemical methods of weed control, such as solarisation and heat combating. This technology will significantly reduce the use of pesticides.

Together with the university Department of Plant Protection, the company also conducts research on the biological plant protection method, which involves using microorganisms to reduce the population of harmful insects. Such spraying is carried out, for example, using larvae of the nematode mixed with an appropriate amount of water.

PAP - Science and Scholarship in Poland

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