Robot: Solix
Task(s): scout fields to measure crop development, seed distribution, plant height, pests and spray post-emergence herbicides on weeds
Development start: 2021
Pricing: The robot sells for U$60.000 per unit (€56.333 according to the exchange rate of 11-11-2024) and has a SaaS price service
Manufacturer:
Description
Solix is an autonomous robotic platform, powered by batteries and solar energy, capable of living in the field and carrying out crop scouting using 3D cameras and RGB cameras to identify phenological points of the crop. It features a 12-metre spray boom controlled by 8 cameras that use AI developed by Solinftec to carry out the localised application of herbicides.
All information collected from the missions is transferred in real-time to a control platform with digital actions and diagnostics capable of being interpreted and with the use of generative artificial intelligence. The farmer is able to sensitise operations to minimise possible damage and maximise crop gains. Herbicide reduction goes up to 92% and the yield increase is almost 2 bushels per acre.
Drive train type
The transmission system is 4×2 with two electric motors at the front. With an average working speed of 1 mph and enough to carry 200 litres of spraying liquid.
Characteristics
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Navigation system
The navigation system can be used in two different formats. The first one is using the lines generated by the GPS of the planter and tractor. The lines are converted into an internal system to be guided by Solix’s RTK. The second format is a hybrid mode that combines the lines from the planters and a camera system using AI to identify the crop rows and guide the robot in the field.
As a system to avoid accidents and obstacles, Solix has cameras at the front to use the navigation system called ‘discovery mode’ to create manoeuvres in obstacles and stop to avoid accidents.
Specifications
| Name/type robot | Solix |
| Dimensions | Length 2.50 m, width: 12 m (boom width), height 1.90 m. The track width can vary from 1.50 to 2.2 m |
| Turning radius | 0 m (zero-turn) |
| Weight | 780 kg |
| Energy source | The platform runs with one battery and 4 solar panels |
| Energy stock/range | All day using the solar panels to charge the battery, the system is designed to run more than 14 hours/day |
| Driveline | The platform is 4X2 with two electrical motors at the front |
| Navigation system | RTK system developed by Solinftec with 2 navigation modes |
| Output capacity | Over 3.7 acres/hour |
| Pricing | The robot sells for U$60.000 per unit (€56.333 according to the exchange rate of 11-11-2024) and has a SaaS price service. |
| Availability (countries) | Brazil, Canada, United States and Colombia |
| Units operational (total end 2024) | 100 units in operation |
