Robots deployed at field level

Precision farming has laid the foundation for what is known as “autonomous farming”. Drivers of this trend include, on the one hand, the need for efficiency, resource conservation and sustainability. Increasing labour shortages, however, are also fuelling this development.

The benefits of field robotics, which are currently extremely popular, are obvious: machines that operate autonomously alleviate labour shortages and they work extremely precisely and tirelessly – regardless of the time of day or weather conditions.

Autonomous field robots are currently being considered for specific individual tasks or for complete management. Two different types of robots are at work here: universal robots with tractor attachments and so-called “dedicated use robots”, which are solely responsible for specific tasks such as harvesting or crop protection.

HARTING is collaborating with the Dutch technology company AgXeed, which created the "AgBot" series of robots for universal use in agriculture. These comprehensive autonomous solutions represent an intelligent system with scalable and adaptable hardware, virtual planning tools and data models. This is where the standardised AEF high-voltage interface supplied by HARTING enters the picture. As a component for autonomous machines, the interface plays a key role in electrification, leading to greater efficiency and productivity, while simultaneously reducing susceptibility to maintenance and errors. Compared to agricultural machines with hydraulic motors, a more targeted use of seeds and fertilisers is enabled. The resulting optimised controllability also results in a reduction in power and fuel consumption.