Field robots perform planting, tampering with software, irrigating, and spraying pesticides: Amount of money saved by the farmer using such technology
In the picturesque region of Schleswig-Holstein, farmer Jörg Rabenstein has been using the Danish field robot, Farmdroid, for the past three years. The autonomous machine, capable of sowing, cultivating, and spraying, has been a game-changer for Rabenstein, who specialises in beets and rapeseed as rotation crops.
The Farmdroid, with its distinctive two water tanks at the rear, is equipped with an additional feature called Spot Spraying. This equipment, for which Rabenstein invested an extra 10,000 euros, allows the robot to apply pesticides only where needed, reducing the overall use of plant protection products.
Rabenstein's decision to invest in the Farmdroid was influenced by the political requirements for reducing plant protection products, as outlined in the Green Deal. He believes that the field robot will help him save on labour costs, a valuable asset given the time constraints on his farm due to pig keeping.
The 100,000 euro investment has proven to be worthwhile for Rabenstein. He weighs the pros and cons of the field robot carefully, considering factors such as the initial cost, maintenance, and the potential return on investment. His advisor, Reinhold Weber from the Office for Agriculture and Nutrition Furth-Uffenheim, has been a valuable resource in this decision-making process.
Interest in the Farmdroid field robot extends beyond Rabenstein's farm. He believes that similar farms could also benefit from the technology. For those interested, a detailed feature about Farmdroid starts from page 80 of the latest digital edition of our website, which is available for free.
The Farmdroid can be seen driving back and forth on a field in the Franconian village of Ergersheim, a testament to its regular use and the positive impact it has had on Rabenstein's farm. Rabenstein calculates costs with and without a field robot for his farm and expects real advantages in labour from the investment.
The 40% state subsidy was a major purchasing argument for Rabenstein, making the investment in the Farmdroid more affordable. As he continues to reap the benefits of the field robot, Rabenstein remains optimistic about the future of automated farming in Germany.
