The SCORPION project’s objective is to develop an autonomous precision spraying tool integrated into a modular unmanned tractor, to mitigate the negative impacts of pesticide and fertiliser application in agriculture. The SCORPION partners aim to bring to the market a cost-effective modular robot for high precision spraying in permanent crops, integrating three main modules: an autonomous tractor (<50hp), high precision sprayer with novel UV light treatments, and an advanced outdoor sensing system. The solution, called WETA robot, aims to respond to the challenges associated with agricultural activity on rough terrain, with testing focused on steep slope vineyards (while remaining applicable for a range of high-value permanent crops e.g. in olive groves). SCORPION makes use of the Global Navigation Satellite System (EGNSS) receiver fused with other sensors, to increase the solution reliability, accuracy and safeness, enable autonomous ultraviolet light treatments (partially eliminating need for phytopharmaceuticals) and to allow for high precision spraying in permanent crops. Some of these innovations include: the integration of a new visual perception system into the new sprayer; the development of a novel RF based sensor for better vine perception and diagnoses; the integration of electronic actuators instead of hydraulic/pneumatic approaches to reduce the sprayer size and increase controllability; the usage of novel approaches for vineyard treatments (UV-light, nitrogen and natural fungus). SCORPION contributes to building up its market segment aligned to the European Strategic Robotics Agenda and creating new business opportunities, as well as reducing fertiliser use in agriculture and increasing air quality.
SCORPION – Cost effective robots for smart precision spraying
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