There's something of a split in robotic developments between machines that are derived from existing tractors, those that look a bit like tractors and those that look nothing like tractors. One advantage of being 'tractor-like' is the ability to work in established growing systems for field scale vegetables and cereals and to attach familiar, proven implements. SOFTIVERT The SoftiRover has been designed as a self-driving electric tractor, simple in operation and using LIDAR for obstacle avoidance and GPS for navigation. It can be used with existing implements, adapted for electric drive by the company, such as the Monosem precision seeder demonstrated. Setting of seed spacing, rate and planting depth is controlled via an app and the SoftiRover is autonomous once up and running. Shown for the first time in public, it is due to be trialled on the developer's own farm in Pau, South West France this spring for soy and maize before a limited release in 2024.
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