The Ted robot, recognised as an efficient, innovative weeding solution by many wine-growers, is continuing its fine-tuning. The premier viticulture robot is continuing to make a name for itself as its new version is set to work for Hennessy & Bernard Magrez, long-time partners of the manufacturer.
Developed three years ago by Naïo Technologies, a pioneering company in agricultural robotics, Ted is the first autonomous, 100 per cent electric high-clearance tool dedicated to the mechanical weeding of vines. The robot has quickly generated strong interest in the wine-growing sector, which is looking very closely at this solution.
More than 20 Teds are now working in various vineyards. This high-clearance tool, capable of working autonomously among the vines, responds to the sector’s current needs. Ted limits soil compaction and, thanks to its mechanical weeding, allows the elimination of all chemical weedkillers, while still remaining environmentally friendly thanks to its entirely electric operation.
The robot is, therefore, continuing to improve in the hands of its wine-growing experts in terms of reliability, autonomy and safety.
“The Bernard Magrez Estate is convinced that robotisation will play a fundamental role in the mechanical maintenance of the land during the next few decades,” the estate’s R&D manager, Arnaud Delaherche, said. “Electrical power, the absence of greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution are the main focus of our commitment to the environment. In this, we’ve developed a four-year partnership with Naïo Technologies to perfect a robot capable of carrying out the majority of the soil maintenance work among the vines.”
This confidence is reinforced by a common desire to promote an innovative, technological solution already in existence and to prepare it for tomorrow.
“Within the context of its commitments on sustainable wine growing and to support its partner wine producers, the Hennessy company is testing many different solutions in its vineyards to promote more virtuous wine growing,” Hennessy vine and wine manager Mathilde Boisseau said. “The R&D partnership project with Naïo Technologies is fully compatible with this approach. The development of the Ted robot is therefore an innovative alternative to the use of weedkillers.
“Its light weight and adaptability, as well as its electrical operation, are assets in view of the development of sustainable wine growing in the Charente region.”
These two wine producers have both started testing the new version of the Ted robot before its official launch, which is planned for September 2020.
For more information visit: www.naio-technologies.com.
