Robotic tractors are emerging as a commercial proposition, especially in the context of farms with large, flat fields, where ease of use coupled with labour and fuel savings are starting to build an economic case.

Challenges include farms of unusual shapes, as most large robo-tractors available to date are unable to navigate between fields and across roads: self-navigating technology exists, but adds significantly to the price tag.

The sector is growing, reflecting the opportunity to replace low-skill and hugely time consuming on-farm activity. Our Chart of the Week shows five relevant fund-raisings to date from 2024:

• Robovision: computer vision platform for integration into robotic tractors

• Bluewhite: developing LIDAR-based guidance technology

• Burro: producer of robots performing generalist tasks like mowing

• Saga Robotics: developer of an autonomous robot for treating powdery mildew

• farm-ng: developing a range of modular tractors

New Food Finance – “AgBot” Review

Last week, our team attended “Discover the Future: Advanced Technology Showcase”, where the UK University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) demonstrated the largest “AgBot” manufactured by Netherlands-based AgXeed.

The Agbot is an autonomous, GPS-guided tractor which uses a multi-sensor system for obstacle detection. Unlike self-driving cars, which use computer vision systems to perform simultaneous localisation and mapping, the AgBot uses a GPS guidance system to follow pre-planned routes around a target field.

AgBot features:

• This largest AgXeed AgBot is equivalent to a 200 horsepower conventional tractor. The multi-sensor system comprises LiDAR, RADAR, Ultrasonics and contact-sensitive sensors to detect potential hazards in the field.

• The GPS-guided system is unable navigate between fields without external input from the farmer. Additionally, as the tractor is autonomous, it is not legal on UK roads, and therefore needs to be transported via trailer if the farm is crossed by roads.

• The AgBot has diesel-generated electric motors. Feedback systems within the electric drive train and electric PTO allows the collection of data as the AgBot works the fields, for example informing farmers of specific aspects of soil health.

• The AgBot is lighter than a conventional tractor, which combined with the tracked configuration limits soil compaction.

• The initial purchase price is roughly double a conventional equivalent tractor. AgXeed refer to a 90% reduction in labour costs, as well as reduced fuel and maintenance costs, combining to an expected saving on total cost of ownership.