Naïo and Varta create remote charging station for robots

The objective of this collaboration is to provide end-to-end solutions allowing for a remote charging station where no connection to the electricity grid is necessary. According to Naïo and Varta, this will be possible due to wireless solar or regenerative solutions, reducing the user interaction during operation.

Robot automatically navigates to charging station

When robots run out of battery power, they will navigate to their charging station by themselves. Naïo and Varta aim to provide farmers with the possibility to make use of a robot for 24 hours without worrying about power supply. This is to be a major advantage especially during high farming season.

Two proofs of concept

Two proofs of concept have been launched to test the solutions feasibility: The first one will integrate Varta’s batteries in Oz, the first robot of Naïo Technologies dedicated to market gardeners. According to Naïo Technologies, the robot Oz is currently used by more than 120 farmers. The robot is targeted to gain greater than 30% more autonomy.

The second proof of concept consists of creating a solar charging station which can be used directly in the fields. According to Naïo and Varta, these field charging stations will be a world first for agricultural robotics.

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The first proof of concept will integrate Varta’s batteries in the robot Oz. – Photo: Naïo Technologies

Varta: Increase efficiency and performance

Varta says it sees agricultural robotics as an emerging growth market: “Bringing our expertise and experience to agrobots means that Naïo Technologies as a market leader can focus on their core strength: making the combination of robotics and farming a full success. Varta will enable the robots to work more efficiently, as our power management solution will make charging faster, more flexible and much easier, while our advanced battery technology will allow for higher performance,” said Steve Saunders, Key Account Manager UK & France at Varta.

The first prototype will be presented at the FIRA 2020, International Forum of Agricultural Robotics, taking place from 8th to 10th December 2020 on a digital platform.