Small series started
Autonomous DOT tractor not yet for Europe
A tiny desk houses a major innovation at the Agritechnica. The Canadian DOT robot tractor is not in Germany, but its makers are. The company mainly wants to gauge reactions. They are not yet interested in selling their autonomous vehicle in Europe.
Several machine manufacturers are represented at the Canadian pavilion, including SeedMaster† This company is behind DOT† An autonomous vehicle that can be used in combination with a seed drill, transfer truck and other implements. "Transporting our prototype to Hanover was not feasible from a time and cost point of view," explains marketing manager Cory Beaujot. "We would like to gauge the opinion of European arable farmers and hear what they think of our concept."
From 20 to 6 meters
Beaujot is the son of farmer and inventor Norbert Beaujot. He is responsible for marketing and communication. In North America, Seed Master is best known for its huge grain seeders. The technique is at odds with Beaujot's latest concept: DOT. A U-shaped autonomous vehicle that can quickly pick up machines and do its work itself. It is also small and therefore lightweight. Quite different from the 20 meter wide monster specimens it also builds.
DOT is not yet suitable for Europe, the marketing man thinks. "Trade fair visitors immediately inform us that the maximum transport width in Germany must be 3 meters. We will not achieve that. I do not think that the plot size is a problem. It is not our aim to sell the machine in Europe. Perhaps Eastern Europe will It's our turn first, because we try to save on labor and work with a robot 24 hours a day, 7 days a week."
DOT in a nutshell:
- 160 hp Cummins diesel engine
- 4 times 360 degrees rotatable hydromotors
- Can be equipped with a 6 meter seed drill
- Field sprayer, land roller and transfer truck on the way
DOT was officially launched during the Canadian outdoor trade show Ag in Motion. There he was the 'talk of the town'. Beaujot is astonished at how many stock exchange goers already know DOT; thanks to social media coverage. "In 2018 we will start with a production of 5 units. They will run in a circle around our factory in Regina, Saskatchewan. In addition to a seed drill, the robots will also work with a field sprayer, land roller and transfer truck. Mainly to gain practical experience. After this first test, several copies will follow that we will deploy elsewhere in Canada and the United States. Only then will it be Europe's turn."
Fear of legislation
The number of manufacturers showing autonomous vehicle technology at the Agritechnica is small. Inquiries show that European legislation in particular is shunned. It leaves no room for experimentation. If it goes wrong, the consequences are incalculable. Therefore, much is discussed on the subject, but little is carried out in practice. Exception aside.
DOT doesn't have that problem, Beaujot says. "The legislation in Canada is not such a problem. Europe is densely populated and the plots are relatively small. That is a disadvantage. We can test in peace on our prairie."
Niels van der Boom
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