Developed by Indian company Farmrobo Technologies, the iMog is an autonomous, multi-functional electric farm tractor designed to be a cost-effective solution to support smallholder farming and hobby farms.
In continuous development as of 2019, the Farmrobo iMog weighs “just” 550 lbs., and is just two feet wide and four feet tall. That's small enough to allow it to easily fit between tightly packed rows of plants without damaging them. The small size of the robot also makes it very efficient – its 8 HP electric motor can work for up to 5 hours with its small 90 AH LFP battery (about 4 kWh, if it takes a 48V system).
The robot uses GPS enabled RTK, which stands for “Real-Time Kinematic Global Positioning System.” RTK-enabled GPS combines standard GPS signals with real-time correction data from local stations, delivering what the company calls “centimeter-level positioning accuracy.” The robot can be programmed to work on a specific route or path by the farmer, or it can be operated remotely via on-board cameras.
The iMog also features an innovative Power Take-Off (PTO) system that allows it to power a range of standard attachments including a roto-tiller, precision sprayer, mulcher, and more. The basic robot retails for €12,000 and is available in India, the Middle East, and (now) Europe.
As I write this, Farmrobo says 20 examples of the iMog robot tractor are in operation, with many more on the way to customers.
Electrek's Take
I know I love a good electric tractor, but while the North American market seems to want bigger and badder than the 25 HP Solectrac machines, it seems the rest of the world understands that a great work tool doesn't last forever. the right tool for the job.
Here's hoping the Farrobo team has better luck than Solectrac.
SOURCE | PHOTOS: Farmrobo Technologies, by Future Farming.
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