Assessing the practicality of the robot platforms from Swarmfarm robotics

Summary

Objective

This project will explore the application of autonomous robotic activities utilising existing vineyard equipment in the Coonawarra region on Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) vineyards.

The aims of the project:

1.    Visualise the robot working in a vineyard

a.    determine what operations the robot can undertake in a vineyard scenario
b.    understand the cost of operation, quality of result and maintenance required
c.    understand the risks associated with the robot’s operation and controls required to operate safely, and
d.    develop a ROI position.

2.    Industry extension/communication

a.    determine cross sector applications, and
b.    regular collaboration with funding partners and sector partners to extend information out to primary producers.

Background

A jointly funded project between the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), Wine Australia and TWE was instigated in 2019 to lease a Swarmfarm robot.

Research approach

The project will assess the practicality of the robot platforms from Swarmfarm robotics to aid with the delivery and completion of established vineyard practices, traditionally performed by the current manual workforce. The project will provide field examples of how robotics can address the following concerns across approximately 1000 hectares (Ha) of vineyards in the premium wine growing region of Coonawarra:

• A pilot trial to establish the relevance of robotics to deliver and complete current vineyard tasks highlighted as being at risk due to the current ageing workforce. Review autonomous implement platform that can run existing industry standard implements, to complete tasks as required by sites, currently also being trialled in cotton, turf farming and horticulture. Key measures for success would include analysis of time and economic efficiencies along with safety assessments.
• The in-field operational capabilities of robotics will be calibrated with science and technology, engineering and mathematic (STEM) graduates, with the aim to attract a new labour force to manage, enhance and operate this equipment.
• The project outcomes and key learnings will be extended throughout the viticulture industry via annual field expo days, regular sector briefings and reports using multimedia channels. This will provide opportunities for other primary production sectors to review and identify capabilities for the technology.

Sector benefits

The project will determine the practicality of the robot platforms from Swarmfarm robotics to aid with the delivery and completion of established vineyard practices, traditionally performed by the current manual workforce.