First Prototype of the VineRobot in Buzet

IN THIS ISSUE

Field Tests with the First VineRobot Prototype

Upcoming Technical Meetings

FEATURES

The First VineRobot Prototype Roams the Buzet Vineyards in France

July 20-23 were chosen as the dates for testing the first prototype of the VineRobot. The goal of these tests was the evaluation of the mobility of the robot, especially in sloping terrain, and the safeguarding system consisting of four emergency buttons and a safety-control front bumper. Currently, the robot can navigate tele-operated with a joystick, or wirelessly from a tablet computer (see video) specifically programmed by Christophe Millot who has been the principal artificer of the prototype.

Over the two mornings devoted to field tests in the vineyards of Les Vignerons de Buzet, the prototype roamed with agility in flat less rugged and inclined terrains even in the presence of weeds. However, significant slippage occurred when climbing steeper rows of vines. In order to improve navigation under these conditions, the four planetary gear boxes of the wheels are going to be modified to increase the torque ratio at least twofold.

In addition, a new suspension system with adjustable springs will be implemented in the robot chassis in such a way that an optimal response will be granted if a new power system with lithium batteries is implemented or optical sensors are attached to the robot. The modified prototype will be ready by the end of September.

Upcoming Technical Meetings

There are two technical meetings already scheduled for this coming fall:

1- Vine sensing tests: Logroño (Spain), September 15-17, 2014- Field tests will be performed to determine the specific sensors and their necessary requirements for the VineRobot to build the crop maps.

2- Robotics meeting: Valencia (Spain), September 22-24, 2014

The new suspension and transmission system will be tested in the field with the implementation of the main computer onboard.