Hennessy Tested the TREKTOR Robot in Vineyards: A New Milestone in Viticultural Innovation
The French cognac house Hennessy continues to implement modern solutions in agriculture. Recently, the company tested the TREKTOR robot on its vineyards, developed by French engineers specifically for viticulture and horticulture. This initiative aims to increase the efficiency of grape cultivation and promote sustainable industry development.
What the TREKTOR Robot Is For
TREKTOR is a multifunctional robot designed to perform a wide range of tasks in vineyards:
- Mechanical weeding between and under rows to reduce herbicide use;
- Spraying of plants with precise dosing of products;
- Soil cultivation at various stages of vegetation;
- Mowing grass between rows of vines.
The robot features a modular design and can be equipped with different types of attachments, making it a versatile solution for wine-growing estates. As noted on the official TREKTOR website, the machine was developed with precision farming requirements in mind, helping to increase productivity while minimizing environmental impact.
TREKTOR by Sitia Technical Specifications
According to the manufacturer, the robot can be configured in several versions differing in power, engine type, and track width. Below are approximate technical parameters:
Parameter | Value |
---|---|
Engine Type | Diesel (Stage V) or hybrid/electric (depending on the model) |
Power | 35–75 hp (in different versions) |
Track Width (adjustable) | From 1.1 m to 1.6 m (depending on configuration) |
Steering Modes | Front wheels / Rear wheels / “Crab” mode / Full 4-wheel steering |
Working Speed | 4–7 km/h (depending on conditions and operations) |
Transport Speed | 10–15 km/h (may vary) |
Drive Type | All-wheel drive (4×4) |
Attachment Load Capacity | Up to 600 kg (depends on version and attachments) |
Autonomy | Up to 8 hours (depending on engine type and operating conditions) |
Navigation System | Autonomous/semi-autonomous with GPS and LiDAR for obstacle avoidance |
Additional Options | Data collection system, sensors for soil and plant analysis |
One of TREKTOR’s key advantages is versatility: the manufacturer offers robot adaptations for various row crops (vineyards, orchards, berry fields, vegetable plantations, etc.). With an adjustable track width, the robot easily adapts to different row spacings, while its swiveling wheels enable maneuvering even on challenging terrains.
How the Testing Was Carried Out
The TREKTOR trials took place on Hennessy’s plantations in the Cognac region, where the company grows grapes for its world-renowned cognac. Robot was mainly assigned to:
- Soil cultivation to improve root aeration;
- Weed removal without using chemical products;
- Collecting data on plant conditions and yield analysis.
Thanks to its autonomy and compact dimensions, the robot operates easily in narrow rows and handles varying terrains with confidence. Hennessy representatives point out that the use of TREKTOR helps save resources and reduce production costs. In addition, robotization allows staff to focus on more nuanced aspects of grape cultivation and improve the quality of the final product.
Benefits and Future Prospects
- Reduced chemical load: mechanical weed removal lowers the need for herbicides, positively impacting the environment and soil quality.
- Time and resource savings: the robot can perform multiple tasks without requiring large amounts of machinery or labor.
- Personnel safety: remote control and autonomous operation mitigate risks associated with handling chemicals.
- Accurate data collection: sensor systems and cameras provide real-time information on vineyard conditions, enabling prompt decision-making.
Hennessy plans to continue collaborating with developers of robotic systems to refine technologies for viticulture. It is expected that the widespread adoption of such solutions will become an important milestone in smart farming and reinforce the trend toward sustainable agricultural production.
The testing of the TREKTOR robot in Hennessy’s vineyards once again confirmed the effectiveness of robotic technologies in viticulture. The company focuses on innovation and eco-friendly approaches, combining the historical traditions of cognac production with modern technological capabilities.
These solutions not only enhance the quality of the final product but also reduce the environmental footprint and increase the global competitiveness of vineyards. TREKTOR is a vivid example of how robotics and precision agriculture can elevate viticulture and winemaking to a fundamentally new level.
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