Coming’s agro-bot will be on display at German exhibition Agritechnica, as the Serbian firm shows off its autonomous alternative for carrying out traditional operations in orchards and vineyards
Digitalisation in fruit sorting, quality control and disease prediction has already become common practice, but the application of robots in orchards and vineyards still remains a subject of some scepticism. However, producers, justifiably cautious due to the sensitivity and complexity of field operations, are beginning to witness a new generation of autonomous solutions that could transform the way fruit is cultivated throughout Europe.
At the forefront of this transformation is one of Serbia’s leading IT companies, Coming, whose AgAR agricultural robotic platform is capable of efficiently performing a series of operations in orchards and providing solutions to the labour challenges faced by European fruit and grape producers.
Partnership drives commercial success
The AgAR project emerged as an initiative of research teams from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Niš and Coming company. Work on developing and perfecting the robot began in 2022 with continuous collaboration with farmers providing feedback.
The strategic partnership with FPM Agromehanika brought enormous experience in developing and manufacturing small agricultural machines. With FPM, they developed a three-point attachment system used by traditional tractors, which enables AgAR to accept standardised tractor implements. Thanks to these partnerships, AgAR has become a regular attraction at European agricultural technology fairs.
“We continue to participate at fairs and receive significant recognition. This year we are again at our partner company FMP Agromehanika’s stand at Agritechnica in Hanover,” explains Marko Tamburić, business development manager at Coming company.
At the fair, they will participate in the TOTY (Tractor-of-the-Year) competition final in the TOTYbot category (autonomous/robot tractor), having previously won the award for best regional industrial innovation of the Western Balkans - the “Butterfly Innovation Award.”
Multifunctionality and durability
“What distinguishes us from the competition is AgAR’s universality. We developed it so that it can accept a significant number of common implements that farmers already have on their holdings, but also to use sophisticated, robotised attachments,” explains Tamburić.
The robot can perform up to seven different field operations: precise spraying for pest and disease control, soil cultivation between fruit tree rows, mowing, pruning support, fertiliser application, weed control and soil monitoring. Recently, the company successfully tested a robotic arm for grape harvesting in vineyards.
AgAR is designed to replace one medium tractor of approximately 40 horsepower, making it ideal for use in smaller plantations. For growers facing labour shortages, AgAR’s capability for continuous operation provides significant advantages.
“Our platform is completely powered by electricity and capable of working continuously for 6-12 hours, depending on the type of operation,” explains Tamburić. “Rapid battery replacement is also possible, taking about 10 minutes.”
In orchards, AgAR’s low profile enables work beneath tree canopies and anti-hail nets where larger machines cannot operate efficiently, whilst the platform’s ultrasonic sensors, cameras and LiDAR enable identification and avoidance of obstacles.
Technical solutions and market preparation
AgAR has two modes of operation – remote control by the user and autonomous movement along pre-programmed coordinates. The robot maintains the traditional approach of a multi-functional tractor, accepting standard equipment that farmers already possess (mulchers, mowers, atomisers, sprayers, cultivators, ploughs).
”AgAR is equipped with an RTK GPS system with two antennas for precise location (+/- 2 cm), stereo cameras and a LiDAR system for complete distance and environmental control,” the company reveals. ”Additional safety systems include ultrasonic sensors and mechanical bumpers for obstacles such as stones or stumps. The drive is 4x4 with electric motors on each wheel, and adjustable height enables movement on steep terrain gradients. The robot has been tested in a temperature range from +40C to -20C.”
Currently, there are two AgAR models. The basic version capable of carrying sensor attachments and robotic arms costs approximately €60,000, whilst the more complex version equipped with additional electric motors that can power traditional orchard equipment costs up to €100,000. With subsidies that farmers in the EU and Serbia enjoy, the platform can apparently pay for itself within 3-4 years.
“We have produced a pilot series and are ready for serial production. Partnership with FPM Agromehanika provides us access to production capacities, experience and a distribution network in approximately 40 countries across Europe and the world,” says Tamburić.
The company has continuously communicated with local farmers and firms to get feedback for further platform improvements, as well as features regarded by growers as production priorities.
“European producers are pragmatic,” he says. ”They assess technology based on practical benefits and return on investment. As labour availability continues to decline and demands for precision in work and fruit quality increase, I believe autonomous platforms like AgAR will transform from innovative novelties into essential production tools.”
