Hybrid robot Icaro X4 combats vineyard fungi without chemicals

According to Free Green Nature, the Icaro X4 is the world’s first hybrid robot capable of controlling fungal diseases without using chemicals. – Photos: Free Green Nature

Italian company Free Green Nature has introduced an autonomous hybrid robot, designed to combat fungal diseases in vineyards without relying on chemical treatments. The Icaro X4 is equipped with specialised UVC lamps that target and prevent the reproduction of harmful fungi such as downy and powdery mildew.

The Icaro X4 operates autonomously around the clock, powered by a diesel engine that recharges its battery while in use. According to Free Green Nature, the Icaro X4 is the world’s first hybrid robot capable of controlling fungal diseases without using chemicals. The robot’s primary task is to ensure that fungi do not proliferate.

Utilising RTK precision technology, the Icaro X4 is able to function autonomously, even without a satellite signal, relying instead on a 3D vision system that helps it navigate within predefined corridors. In case of adverse weather, such as rain, the robot can be called back to its base or can pause its operation with the UVC lamps turned off until the weather improves.

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The Icaro X4 operates autonomously around the clock, powered by a diesel engine that recharges its battery while in use.

Powered by a three-phase brushless motor

Each of the Icaro X4’s wheels is powered by a three-phase brushless motor, which generates a peak power of 13 kW (4,000 Nm). With 180° steering on all wheels, the robot can turn on its own. Its compact design allows it to operate in narrow vineyard rows as tight as 1,800 mm, and its UVC lamps can extend to a height of 2,700 mm.

The GNSS RTK system is enhanced by a 3D vision system featuring TOF (Time of Flight) cameras. Before deployment, the vineyard is mapped, and the system georeferences various factors such as obstacles, preferred routes, start and stop positions, and refuelling points. This ensures the Icaro X4 can navigate efficiently and safely without human intervention.

Additionally, the Icaro X4 is equipped with cameras on all four sides, providing a 360° view to detect nearby people and animals. The robot’s operation is further optimised by a weather station that monitors field conditions. An algorithm analyses weather data and determines the best times for the robot to perform its fungal treatment. All navigation data is securely stored on servers and is accessible for review at any time.

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Icaro X4’s compact design allows it to operate in narrow vineyard rows as tight as 1,800 mm, and its UVC lamps can extend to a height of 2,700 mm.

Lawn mower

The Icaro X4 also has the option to install a rear lift that can support up to 450 kg. This lift allows the robot to carry and deploy a specialised lawn mower, which can expand to a width of 2,400 mm.

In terms of specifications, the Icaro X4 measures 3,085 mm in length, 1,550 mm in width, and 2,700 mm in height with the lamps extended (1,150 mm when the lamps are closed). The robot weighs 1,450 kg and has a turning radius of 900 mm. It requires a minimum space of 3 meters at the end of rows to turn effectively.

The hybrid system incorporates a 10 kWh 48Vdc battery, powered by a twin-cylinder Kohler diesel engine (11.5 kW @ 3,000 rpm), and is equipped with a 70-litre fuel tank for extended operation.

The Icaro X4 is available for sale in the EU at a price of €160,000 (US $168,000 according to the exchange rate of 3 December 2024). This price includes the commissioning and installation of the weather station.