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A new and improved version of Naïo Technologies’ autonomous weeding robot, Ted, has been revealed prior to a tour of French vineyards.
Working with long-standing development partners Maison Hennessy and Bernard Magrez, the technological and mechanical improvements are the result of feedback provided by around 20 winegrowers who have used Ted for the past three years, resulting in a new version, now ready for mass production.
The unique robot features a centrally-mounted parallelogram lifting system that can use two tools simultaneously, mounted to a multi-purpose pole. With its robust frame and a bigger electrical motor, the 900kg unit can operate at speeds of up to 4km/h for up to eight hours before recharging is necessary.
Its light weight means that it reduces compaction typically seen with conventional tractors, while also having excellent “climbing” capacity in sloping vineyards. The new design features modular arches, meaning the machine can easily be configured to suit individual vineyard types, such as narrow or high vines layouts.
Much of the concept and design of the platform were thought out while maximising the machine’s safety features, which now means Ted slows down as it approaches an obstacle, and halts the unit immediately if an obstacle is touched.
Twin rotor swathers have become the ‘go-to’ for forming swaths to feed hungry harvesters and balers, however, the design layout often means that crop located between the two rotors is not picked up, turned over or incorporated into the swath formed for subsequent harvesting.
Operating large tractors became more expensive back in March due to the ongoing Strait of Hormuz conflict, meaning contractors had to introduce fuel surcharges and farmers had to adjust their budget forecasts.
Close to the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks, Motueka is known for apples, pear and kiwifruit orchards, alongside specialised crops such as hops. Indeed, that specialisation, saw the area being the New Zealand centre of the tobacco growing, until the early 1980s.
Can-Am has introduced its 2027 range of side-by-side vehicles (SSV) and all-terrain vehicles (ATV), including the industry leading Defender, the Maverick R and the hugely capable Outlander ATV, incorporating a host of advancements designed to deliver an exceptional riding experience.
With battery tools becoming more widespread and more importantly, productive and reliable, it was only time before we saw augers or post-hole borers.
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One of Australia's most decorated winemakers will speak at the Aotearoa New Zealand Chardonnay Symposium in Hawke's Bay this September.
The third Aotearoa New Zealand Chardonnay Symposium will be underway in Hastings, Hawke's Bay, on 17-18 September.
Vintage 2026 yielded excellent fruit for most New Zealand wine regions.
