Cultivate crops with a fleet of electric agroecological robots that preserve the soils

Project Information

SWARM

Grant agreement ID: 190132825

DOI

10.3030/190132825

Project closed

EC signature date 6 April 2022

Start date 1 May 2022

End date 31 December 2024

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

€ 3 312 500,00

EU contribution

€ 2 318 750,00

Coordinated by

SABI AGRI
France

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - SWARM (Cultivate crops with a fleet of electric agroecological robots that preserve the soils)

Reporting period: 2023-05-01 to 2024-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

A growing portion of cultivated soils is suffering from severe compaction as a result of an intensive use of heavy thermal tractors. And yet, there is no alternative to these tractors, and no other solution can deliver the same level of productivity whilst avoiding compaction and massive CO2 emissions. Consequently, soil productivity is declining threatening food production in the long term.
SABI AGRI decarbonizes agriculture and enables the implementation of agro-ecological practices by transforming agricultural machinery with its high-performance and sustainable electric tractors and robots in alternative to thermal tractors.
Especially with the SWARM project, SABI AGRI developped a collaborative fleet of agroecological vehicles where an ALPO or VOLCAM electric tractor and its ZILUS autonomous robots work together. This fleet named SWARM allows to multiply workload whilst being versatile, cost-effective and alleviating the ground pressure and being CO2 emission free in high-value-added specialized crops.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The work carried out in the project can be summarized as follows :
1/ Development of the ZILUS robot with fully operational hardware and software robotic behaviors under real-life conditions.
2/ Adaptation of the hardware, software and HMI of the ALPO electric straddle tractor to transform it into the leading tractor in the collaborative fleet (in vineyards).
2/ Development of the VOLCAM electric tractor with hardware, software and HMI developments which allow VOLCAM to work independantly or in synch with ZILUS in all specialized crops.
3/ Development of a collaborative fleet of 2 machines. These developments enabled deployment in the field to test the solution and make the necessary R&D adaptations.
4/ Development of an easy-to-use tablet-based HMI for managing robotic behavior, with functions to facilitate use.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The results of the SWARM project are as follows:
1- Technological development
The work has enabled the construction of operational prototypes of tractors and electric robots forming the collaborative fleet. It allowed to carry out field demonstrations to test the solution and finalize developments. The ZILUS robot, VOLCAM electric tractor and ALPO electric straddle tractor are on the market.
2- Regulatory framework
SABI AGRI's active presence in the agricultural robotics and agri-equipment networks enables it to keep aware of changes in standards and to develop its innovations, accordingly, thus ensuring compliance. At the same time, an IPR strategy has been put in place, enabling SABI AGRI to protect its developments with patents and to protect their brands.
3- Market access and sales
The internationalization of SABI AGRI is underway, with the establishment of an EU distribution network and participation in international events.
SWARM is the 1st collaborative agroecological fleet to accompany farmers in implementing environmentally friendly, people-friendly and profitable agriculture.

SWARM in vineyards - SABI AGRI