Our partner Naïo Technologies presented its latest new development at World Fira 2021 in Toulouse. The Orio robot is the fourth model to join the French manufacturer’s product range. Orio is an autonomous gantry-based implement carrier with a larger working width than the well-known Dino robot. The Agro Innovation Lab is supporting Naïo Technologies in the further development of the Orio robot with valuable inputs that will perfectly adapt the device in line with the needs of Austrian farms.
During the years since it hosted the 2019 Robotics Challenge, the AIL has developed extensive expertise in field-based automation technology. The program permitted us to gain an initial overview of the market and establish contact with industry players and we continue to work closely with many of the original applicants on the further development of the technology. We began working closely with Naïo Technologies in 2019 and RWA Raiffeisen Ware Austria AG concluded an exclusive dealer agreement with the company shortly afterwards. Naïo has now been involved in the development of autonomous field robots for almost 20 years. In addition to the recently introduced Orio implement carrier, Naïo’s product range also includes the Oz and Dino robots for vegetable and speciality crop cultivation as well as the Ted robot for viticulture.
With a working width of up to three metres, Orio is significantly more powerful than its smaller brother Dino. The generous, open design allows a wide variety of tools to be attached to the platform. The machine is GPS- and camera-controlled, as well as being equipped with multiple sensors that enable control based on artificial intelligence. Orio carries out high-precision weed control through tools mounted in the centre of the device. The platform can also be equipped with a standard three-point hitch, allowing a wide variety of implements to be attached to the rear.
“Orio is a sustainable alternative to the use of herbicides that conserves soil, improves working conditions and collects data for smart agriculture”, explains Ingrid Sarlandie, COO of Naïo Technologies. Thanks to its comparatively low weight and increased drive power of 20 kW, the device can be used for a wide range of operations. While its smaller brother Dino was designed for vegetable farms of up to 20 ha, Orio can also be used in crops other than vegetables as well as meeting the requirements of larger farms with a cultivated area over 20 ha.
Last year, Naïo Technologies deployed the first Orio units in the United States and in its native France. The first devices are now due for deployment in other countries. We at the AIL are on hand to advise the manufacturer on the needs of Austrian farmers. Since cultivation systems in different regions vary significantly, the constant exchange of information ensures an ideal adaptation to the needs of Austrian users. We look forward to telling you more about this new development in the future.
Photo (c) AIL, Florian Haller; Photo Overview-Page (c) Naio Technologies