Almost 10k asparagus stalks per hour
The robot features an advanced gondola system that rotates the harvesting modules continuously in circles, allowing for a maximum of 9,000 asparagus stalks to be harvested per hour with just a single operator.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZAd7z0PqBM&ab_channel=AvLMotion
The AVL Compact S9000 is a fully autonomous asparagus harvesting machine that can be operated by just one person, 24/7 in the field. Its modular design makes it easy for the same operator to handle maintenance, service, and repairs, and a motor kit enables quick and easy replacement of the drive system even in the field. The machine features an adaptive speed control system, an innovative electric height adjustment system, and a full-color HMI display for easy monitoring and control.
This asparagus harvesting robot is designed with the latest technology and combines innovative technologies from renowned suppliers like Lenze, Turck, and others.** The robot operates on electricity**, eliminating the need for maintenance-prone hydraulic systems. In case of any questions or issues, AVL Motion can remotely diagnose the machine, and its modular design ensures quick and easy repairs.
The AVL Compact S9000 costs 400,000€ is said to be** profitable from 10 hectares and above**, its 12 harvesting modules and optical RGB sensor combined with AI and laser detection ensure maximum precision, and the patented foliate transport system makes the machine easy to use and maintain.
Let’s do some math!
If we assume** 1 harvest helper** costs an asparagus farmer 18€/hour (let’s take Germany as an exxample, minimum wage is at 12€), the robot equals around 22 200 hours of human work. A human harvest helper harvests between 15-23kg per hour, so let’s say 18kg per hour. So 22200 hours x 18kg = 399 tons of asparagus. 1 stalk has a weight of 50 grams, so that is 399 000kg / 0,05kg = around 8 million stalks of asparagus. So if you would hire people for the same amount of 400 000€, you could harvest 8 million stalks. BUT, as the machine harvests 10.000 stalks (= 200kg) an hour, we** need 800 hours** of total runtime to break even here.
So let’s continue with some math:** Per hectare** the average yield of asparagus is 5 tons, so if you have** 10 hectares** that’s about 50 tons of yield. In order to breakeven at around 400 tons of asparagus, you’d either need an asparagus field of **80 hectares, **or breakeven after 8 years with a field of 10ha asparagus. well, or everything in between. Did I get that right?
Diesel engine meets electricity
The AVL Compact S9000 is the result of years of research, development, and testing. The harvesting module was further improved during this time, and it was integrated with the innovative gondola and optical detection system, forming the core of the robot. The master frame of the AVL Compact S9000 ensures a smooth and quiet harvesting process, and its compact design, together with the new electric steering system, allows for an ultra-short** turning radius of 4.5 meters**. The machine weighs less than 4,500 kilograms, reducing soil compaction and ensuring low fuel consumption.
This means that it will not compact the soil, ensuring that your crops continue to grow healthy and strong. Additionally, the robot is powered by an efficient 25 kW diesel engine and generator that provides a range of 80 operating hours with a fuel consumption rate of 2.5 liters per hour. This makes the AVL Compact S9000 a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for your harvesting needs.
The AVL Compact S9000 is a revolutionary product that is changing the way asparagus is harvested, making the future of farming a reality. Its reliability, ease of use, and advanced technology make it a worthwhile investment for any farmer looking to ensure business continuity and stability, taking you back to the good old days when labor was not a concern.
Growing up as asparagus grower
Arno van Lankveld, the founder and CEO of AVL Motion, grew up in a family of asparagus growers and has extensive experience working in the fields, from harvesting and sorting to washing and selling. He knows firsthand the challenges faced by farmers in securing reliable labor and is passionate about developing solutions that meet the needs of the industry.
The AVL Compact S9000 was developed in 2018 and went through testing and optimization phases until 2020 when it was finally introduced into the market. AVL Motion has a team of more than 15 full-time employees working on the AVL Compact S9000, bringing together all the core disciplines required to develop a reliable and robust asparagus harvesting robot.
Pricing: The robot costs €400 000 (arround US $390,000), leasing possible.
Technical Details
- Name/Type robot: ( AvL Motion) Compact S9000
- Dimensions: Length 6m, width 2.36 m, height 3m, track width 1.80 m
- Turning radius: 5m
- Weight: 5000 kg
- Energy source: 25 kW diesel engine and a generator to supply electricity
- Energy stock/range: Fuel consumption 2.5 l/h, 200 l fuel tank for 80 operating hours
- Driveline: Electric
- Navigation system: The robot follows the bed controlled by sensors
- Output capacity: 0,35 hectare per hour
- Availability (countries): The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Luxemburg
- Units operational (Early 2023): 4
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