Robot: Fully automatic harvesting and radish bunching machine
Task(s): Harvesting and bunching of radish
Development start: 2018
Pricing: Cost of the machine is currently €250,000 (US $263.425 according to the exchange rate of 01-11-2023)
Manufacturer:
Description
This fully automatic harvesting and radish bunching machine for outdoor use can bunch radish with the same quality as hand-bunched radish in a completely automatic way. The machine follows the rows with mechanical row feelers and the radishes can be packaged in the field from behind the machine. A worker can turn the robot at the end of the rows via a touchscreen, with the machine turning on its axis to the next rows. With this electric machine, 4,500 bunches of radishes can effectively be bunched per hour. It can reduce the costs of bunching by up to 50%. The robot is available in a 9, 12 and 14 row version.
Drive train type
Fully electric, with an on-board generator supplying the power. Koppert Machines is currently developing a new machine that works with batteries and will therefore be fully electric. This machine is expected to be launched mid-2023.
Characteristics
This robot is fully automatic and is used for harvesting and radish bunching in the field. It is electric, with an on-board generator supplying the power. The machine has a speed of 1 km per hour. A controller receives a signal that it is time to turn the machine. He or she can turn the robot at the end of the rows via a touchscreen, with the machine turning on its axis to the next rows. The harvester has on-board lighting and can basically work day and night. A folding tent can be supplied.
Navigation system
Koppert Machines has developed its own technology in which mechanical row feelers guide the robot to follow the rows of radishes. Another set of mechanical feelers makes sure the radishes are harvested at the right height. A computer system processes the information and controls the machine.
Specifications
| Name robot | Koppert automatic harvesting and radish bunching machine (The Netherlands) |
| Dimensions | 4 meters (13.1 ft) long and 1.60 meters (5.3 ft) wide |
| Turning radius | The machine turns on its axis |
| Weight | 1,750 kg |
| Energy source | It is a fully electric-pneumatic machine, with an on-board generator supplying the power. We expect to have a machine with batteries by mid-2024. |
| Energy stock/range | The machine can do its work 24 hours per day |
| Driveline | The robot is available in a 9, 12 and 14 row version |
| Output capacity | 4,500 bunches of radish per hour |
| Navigation system | Mechanical row feelers guide the robot to follow the rows of radishes. |
| Pricing | Cost of the machine is currently €250,000 (US $263.425 according to the exchange rate of 01-11-2023) |
| Availability (countries) | It is currently being used in Denmark, the US, Germany, Australia, Switzerland, and The Netherlands |
| Units operational (total September 2023) | 10 |
