Robot: Field Friend
Task(s): Weeding, sowing, inspecting, analysing, harvesting and other tasks
Development start: Autumn 2020
Pricing: Selling, from € 20,000 (US $21.074 according to the exchange rate of 01-11-2023)
Manufacturer:
Description
Field Friend is an agnostic platform suitable for several standard tools, self-built tools and third-party tools. One of the outstanding features of the robot is the learning loop AI training software developed by Zauberzeug itself. This enables the robot, for example, to precisely distinguish between crops and weeds, which enables targeted and efficient cultivation of the farmland. The autonomous operations of the Field Friend are supported by the provided open-source control software and an AI. This AI is continuously iteratively improved and extended by the agricultural community to ensure that the robot always meets the needs of the practitioners.
Drive train type
The Zauberzeug Field Friend uses a rubber track drive system, powered by four motors, each with a rated power of 250 watts and up to 40 Nm of torque. It has a maximum speed of 3 km/h and can be controlled using a 2-channel ODrive motor controller.
Characteristics
The technical characteristics of the Zauberzeug Field Friend include a compact design and a weight of approximately 100 kg. It is made of robust and weather-resistant stainless steel. The robot’s rubber track drive system minimizes soil compaction. The electrical components include a LiFePo4 battery with 30 Ah and 24 V, providing 720 Wh of power. The robot is also equipped with safety features like a main switch and an emergency stop button.
Navigation system
The Zauberzeug Field Friend navigates autonomously using RTK-gps and AI row detection. It can be operated in autonomous mode via a web app and controlled through a mobile app. The robot is capable of precise detection of crops and weeds and can react to obstacles and people.
Specifications
| Name/type robot | Field Friend |
| Dimensions | Length 0.845 m, width 0.67 m, height 0.685 m |
| Turning radius | 0.60 m |
| Weight | 100 kg |
| Energy source | 1 x LiFePo4 with 30 Ah, 24 V, power 720 Wh, approx. 3000 charging cycles at 90% depth of charge, integrated battery management system. In addition to the battery mentioned, there is also a change battery available, which is a 36V 14.5Ah 522Wh Down Tube battery |
| Energy stock/range | Up to 10 hours |
| Driveline | Rubber track drive system |
| Navigation system | RTK-gps and via AI row detection |
| Output capacity | Depending on the situation and type of work |
| Pricing | Selling, from € 20,000 (US $21.074 according to the exchange rate of 01-11-2023) excluding GNSS and tools |
| Availability (countries) | Austria, Germany and Switzerland |
| Units operational (total end 2023) | 12 |
