A new autonomous sprayer has been developed through a collaboration between Kubota and FEDE. Dubbed the KFAST (Kubota Fede Autonomous Spraying Technology), it is designed for specialist crops.
It can apply phytosanitary treatments and comes with the option of remote-control operation. It features a newly developed 4×4 traction system for smooth movement, precise turning and accurate positioning even in the narrowest of rows.
Work commands are sent wirelessly to the machine, which will then position itself at the assigned row to start the application. It uses image capturing and AI processing to adapt spraying in real time with individual nozzle control, adjusting application tree by tree while retaining the desired pressure and flow.
Ongoing treatments are monitored and displayed on the Speciality Crops Platform (SCP), designed by FEDE. The KFAST can also send alerts in the case of an incident or an out-of-range parameter, including an empty sprayer hopper or an empty diesel tank. The unit is capable of autonomously returning to base for refuelling.
When applications are complete, the data is registered to provide traceability.
According to the companies involved, the KFAST can reduce pesticide usage by up to 40%, based on field tests carried with LIFE-AI. It will also reduce soil compaction as the four wheels follow the same axis, reducing the tonnes placed on the soil.
The image processing system will also provide information on plant health, which can used to make informed agronomic decisions. The software is built on an open system, enabling service providers to add to the options available to growers.
