BRIEF

The release of the Pixar film WALL·E in 2008, portraying a small robot assisting humanity in saving the Earth, alongside the global food price crisis of the same period, inspired me to focus my diploma thesis on precision farming and automated agriculture.

The project:

The comprehensive research included several interviews with farmers as well as professors specializing in robotics and agriculture. These interviews provided insights into conventional tools and machinery, work processes, technological innovations, the future of viticulture, as well as existing challenges and potential opportunities. A subsequent evaluation and assessment of the collected data and information led to the conclusion that, compared to arable farming, viticulture is characterized by a relatively low level of technological implementation while simultaneously requiring a very high amount of manual labor. As a result, the idea of designing an agricultural robot specifically for viticulture was conceived.

Design Process

Analysis

Weeks of research and interviews with specialists, as well as visits to relevant universities and vineyards, formed the foundation of my work on an agricultural robot for viticulture

Field roboting

Through interviews with students and professors specializing in field robotics, I gathered all necessary information on the technical components required for an agricultural robot to operate in the field, including sensors, 3D vision systems, battery systems, data‑processing units, and software solutions.

Viticulture

Discussions with farmers provided insights into the various tasks, workflows, and potential challenges involved in viticulture.

Ideation

The outcomes of this extensive research and the ideas inspired by discussions with peers were visualized in initial concept sketches.

Concept Sketches

The purpose of an agricultural robot should be to support the farmer in managing the field more efficiently and sustainably. Due to the wide range of tasks involved in vineyard cultivation, an autonomous carrier platform is ideal, as it is capable of performing as many operations as possible in the vineyard.

As post-and-trellis training systems are predominant in viticulture, it was a logical step to utilize this existing infrastructure and design a cable-guided robot capable of moving above the vines along a predefined trajectory.

Modelling

Workshop Mock-ups

Foam models and simple cardboard models were created to identify a suitable volume that enables the coherent spatial arrangement of all technical components required for the robot’s operation.

CAD Ideation

After the appropriate proportions for the robot had been determined,

the further development of the design was carried out using CAD.

CAD Ideation

After the appropriate proportions for the robot had been determined, the further development of the design was carried out using CAD.

Detailing of Co.boter

Co.boter, as implied by its name, serves as an assisting system for the farmer. It is equipped with a variety of sensors and a custom‑developed tool guidance system, allowing it to carry out tasks such as crop assessment, shoot positioning, spraying, and leaf pruning.

The robot is equipped with a sophisticated guidance system that enables it to operate on steep slopes and compensate height differences.

The system is powered by high‑performance lithium‑ion battery packs that can be exchanged or recharged via a dedicated charging station.

Using 3D cameras and color sensors, the robot is able to detect pest infestation as well as deficiencies in water and nutrients. Motion and distance sensors support obstacle detection and enable the execution of cutting tasks on the vine.

Final Design of Co.boter

Co.boter, as implied by its name, serves as an assisting system for the farmer. It is equipped with a variety of sensors and a custom‑developed tool guidance system, allowing it to carry out tasks such as crop assessment, shoot positioning, spraying, and leaf pruning.

Detailed definiton of technical components

Realization

Using 3D cameras and color sensors, the robot is able to detect pest infestation as well as deficiencies in water and nutrients. Motion and distance sensors support obstacle detection and enable the execution of cutting tasks on the vine.

The system is powered by high‑performance lithium‑ion battery packs that can be exchanged or recharged via a dedicated charging station.

The robot is equipped with a sophisticated guidance system that enables it to operate on steep slopes and compensate height differences.

Summary Co.boter

Familiar design cues from conventional agricultural machinery were used to promote trust in the new technology. The design was primarily guided by functional requirements such as weather protection, robustness, low weight, ease of operation, and component placement.

“The goal was to develop a design that sparks interest in the product and facilitates the buyer’s access to the new technology.”

Add-ons

For the individual tasks performed by the robot in the vineyard, the corresponding tools were developed. These tools are driven and operated along the integrated guide rail.

Ideation drive way

In collaboration with a civil engineer, a pathway system for the robot was developed. This system enables the robot to autonomously move from one vine row to another and carry out its tasks.

3d-Model

Diploma Thesis Presentation

The results of my diploma thesis were ultimately presented in the form of a 1:10 scale model of the robot, including the specifically developed pathway system.

Hannover Fair

Additional exhibitions followed, among them the Hannover Fair 2010, where the work received very positive feedback.

contact me

Phone

(+49) 160-5189458

Email

harald.schieder@industrial-designer.de

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BFMG – DORO LUCENT
BOMAG – BMP 8500
SYSTRONIC – CAPBS
BOMAG – BT 65E
BOMAG – BC 1137
BOMAG – RS 500
LIKAMED – VARIO 3i
VISUALIZATION – SKETCH & A.I.
DIPLOMA THESIS – CO.BOTER