Fruit growing tractor ousted by AgBot 3x2
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Bert van Sonsbeek Freelance reporter Agrotechnology, the Netherlands b.vsonsbeek@gmail.com Fruit growing tractor ousted by AgBot 3x2 Info 3x2 The indication 3x2 stands for the three wheels of the narrowtrack robot AgBot 3x2, two of which are powered. At the moment, two Dutch companies are intensively engaged in making a special robot tractor for fruit growing. AgXeed and Hol Spraying Systems have joined forces to come up with a new concept for working in the orchard, starting from their own strengths and systems. On the new robot tractor, named AgBot 3x2, there is no longer a workplace for the driver. World-wide there are a lot of developments in the field of robotics. Especially in manufacturing, many robots have already taken over the work of humans. Who does not know the photos and films of a whole line of robots putting together a car? Many people think that the work in the field is difficult to robotise or not at all. And now two companies are proving that it can certainly be done, with an AgBot (agricultural robot) that can carry out the most frequently occurring operations in the orchard. AgXeed Eight technicians joined forces in a new company. All eight of them gained a lot of knowledge and The AgBot of AgXeed in action with a digging machine. experience working for renowned businesses developing and producing agricultural machines and devices. In the new AgXeed company they started on a totally new concept. In a small village of the Dutch province of Limburg they found a suitable location to shape their ideas. Philipp Kamps is one of these technicians and at the same time responsible for the communication concerning their products. “Big companies only think about further developing their tractors and machines. Everything must be bigger, faster and therefore heavier”, according to Kamps. The AgXeed motto is: ‘We supply simple, autonomous machines for repetitive operations’. For the company, the starting point here is the legal safety frameworks. The company also wants to be part of the circular economy. Kamps on this: “We aim for designs with batteries approaching 55 kW. For the time being, the battery package is too heavy and the capacity is too low, but we are closely following developments in that field. Later on, there will certainly also be a place for a hydrogen power supply”. The first AgXeed product is the AgBot. This robot tractor for agriculture, has a 115 kW (156 hp) engine, stands on robust caterpillar tracks and, at back and front, is fitted out with standard lifting systems, power take-offs and hydraulic connections. Behind the engine there is a powerful generator. Electric engines use the electricity generated for driving the caterpillar tracks, power take-offs and hydraulic pumps. There is also an electric 700 Volt connection for powering machines. Kamps: “We are looking for companies, that together with us, want to look for autonomous vehicles in various sectors. We are very happy with the interest shown and the contribution made by Hol Spraying Systems, in together looking for an optimum solution for an

An impression of the AgBot 3x2: the unmanned narrow-track tractor for fruit growing. AgXeed/H.S.S. The AgBot, here with a seed bed combination, has the highest possible safety level by means of sensors and a certified GPS system. AgXeed in fruit growing.” It was recently reported that the big manufacturer of machines and tractors Claas from Germany has obtained a minority stake in the AgXeed company. At the moment, AgXeed and Claas are working out the details of this cooperation. H.S.S. and AgXeed: ideal combination During the past few years, Hol Spraying Systems (H.S.S.) has intensively...