Already working on some UK farms, the Robotti LR machine from Agrointelli uses a vertically mounted, water-cooled Kubota engine producing 72hp and torque levels of 225Nm at 1,600rpm. Unique to this machine is its long-range capabilities, reportedly providing runtimes of up to 60hrs, with a 300-litre diesel tank. As well as traditional diesel, it can also be run with low-sulphur variants, HVO and FAME biodiesel.
A Bosch Rexroth hydrostatic transmission enables stepless speed adjustment from 0-10kph when operated in manual mode, reducing to 8kph when working fully autonomously. When in autonomous mode, the machine will follow a ‘smart route’ that minimises trafficking in the field; combined with the low operating weight of 4,750kg (with an implement), the company states that this will significantly reduce soil compaction.
As standard, a variable displacement hydraulic pump produces 55 litres/min, with an independent steering pump offering 20 litres/min. Hydraulic flow is pushed through three electronic, proportional valves to power implements, and the linkage is mounted in the centre of the machine with a maximum lift capacity of 1,250kg.
The pto is hydraulically activated, running at 540rpm and the Robotti is also fitted with a 12v outlet to electrically power implements if required.
A radar system is combined with pressure-sensitive safety points around the machine to monitor for obstacles. There are also front and rear cameras that feed into a human detection algorithm. When an obstacle is recognised, the machine stops and informs the operator via text message.
To avoid injury or potential crop damage, the Robotti will not change course to avoid obstacles unless instructed to. Similarly, when the RTK connection is lost, the machine will wait for the signal to return before continuing.
It uses a local wifi network to connect to the operator, as well as cloud-based task and data transfer, with telemetry and post-operation analysis.