Robot: RoamIO-mini
Task(s): Multipurpose as mowing, weeding, seed and fertiliser dispersal.
Development start: 2016
Pricing: Starts at $32,000 (€30,368 according to the exchange rate of 01-11-2023).
Manufacturer:
Description
RoamIO-mini is a battery powered field-programmable tracked robot for vineyards, orchards and vegetable production designed to automate tasks such as mowing, harvest assistance, yield estimation, disease detection and fumigation. Users can plan and command tasks via a tablet and the robot has integrated path planning software. Manufacturers are working on a new version of our robot and android app (software update) that will allow users to operate and manipulate multiple robots simultaneously, which is advantageous for those farmers that have very large fields with strict time constraints.
Drive train type
Geared brushless motors per track, uses skid steering.
Characteristics
Has a 12VDC output, optional motorized lift for implements. The tracks on the RoamIO-mini lower the soil-compaction to under 0.14 bar, which benefits soil-health and allows access to the farm any time of the year. It is also capable of carrying its own weight in payload – 150kg). The track width is 15cm and 0.72 meters center to center.
Navigation system
The robot is controlled using a tablet computer. From there, the user sets 4 inputs for a path planning algorithm: boundaries, obstacles (if any), start point, and end point. Techniques; triple redundancy – a LiDAR, 2 SONARs, and a camera that runs artificial intelligence algorithms to detect 30+ different “objects” such as humans, animals, cars, tractors, etc. Does not require ambient light to function.
Specifications
| Name robot | RoamIO-mini |
| Dimensions | 1.2 x 0.91 x 0.91 (L x W x H). The track width is 15cm and 0.72 meters center to center. |
| Turning radius | is capable of rotating on the spot if necessary. |
| Weight | 150 kg |
| Energy source | Electricity/batteries |
| Energy stock/range | Up to 9 hours on a single battery charge |
| Driveline | Geared brushless motors per track, uses skid steering |
| Output capacity | Task dependent. Top speed 6.5 kph. eg. up to 7 ha/hr for datalogging and 0.9 ha/hr mechanical weeding. |
| Navigation system | Triple redundancy – a LiDAR, 2 SONARs, and a camera that runs artificial intelligence algorithms to detect 30+ different “objects”. |
| Pricing | Starts at $32,000 (€30,368 according to the exchange rate of 01-11-2023). |
| Availability ( countries) | US through regional distributors |
| Units operational (total end 2023) | 4 (according to 2022 information) |
