KFAST, autonomous spraying concept supported by Kubota

The KFAST concept, Kubota Fede Autonomous Spraying Technology, has been awarded as Technical Novelty at FIMA 2024, an event in the agricultural machinery sector for specialty crops. This concept technology, jointly developed by Fede and Kubota, is distinguished for being an autonomous spraying robot for specialty crops designed to comply with the EU regulations and the Green Deal objectives.

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Guided by remote control

The KFAST robot concept autonomously applies phytosanitary treatments, also providing the option to be guided by remote control. Its structural design and newly developed 4×4 traction ensure fluid movement, precision in turning, and accurate positioning in the narrowest rows of specialty crop fields. This large-capacity autonomous sprayer can be equipped with various air groups to fulfil the specific requirements of the plantations.

Ongoing treatments are monitored and displayed on the Specialty Crops Platform (SCP), Fede’s digital agronomic management tool. In addition, KFAST sends alerts in case of incident or parameter out of range, including the detection of empty spraying and diesel tank to autonomously return to the station for refilling. Once the treatment is completed, all the data is registered, thus providing real traceability and the required information to generate the digital farm book.

Operator can manage four robots

KFAST will increase the productivity and efficiency of work in the plantation, since a single operator can manage four robots at a time and enables to carry out nighttime tasks. Thus, aims to be a solution to the lack of labour problem, as well and the generational renewal, in the agricultural sector. Furthermore, it improves the occupational safety and health by eliminating the risks of accidents and drastically reducing occupational exposure to pesticides.