Managed by an operator through user-friendly tablet software OXIN can mow mulch and trim its way down vine rows and then set to work canopy spraying
An autonomous tractor designed especially for vineyards is out to snare a major chunk of the current Vineyard tractor market.
Duxton Vineyards is behind the swoop and the company comes with impressive credentials as it is one of the largest vineyard holders with over 26 different varietals on the vine in Mildura and the Sunraysia region of Victoria.
For this crack at being first in the marketplace, Duxton Vineyards has teamed up with Wine Australia and Smart Machine and is now running trials to introduce OXIN, an autonomous, multi-functional vineyard tractor to local growers.
OXIN is being billed as the world’s first fully autonomous, multi-tasking robotic vineyard tractor, and the trials already underway at Duxton Vineyards are the first time the technology has been shown outside Smart Machine’s home market of New Zealand.
In addition to benefits that include reduced costs and data analysis to inform operational decisions, OXIN promotes sustainable solutions, with the machine requiring fewer row passes, reducing soil compaction and demonstrating an overall reduction in emissions.
Buyers will have the choice of an all-electric or a diesel engine option with up to 92kW (125hp) of power. The weight of the OXIN will vary depending on the running gear from 1,200 to 3,200kg.
Running on rubber tracks the dimensions come in as a length of 3.8m, width 1.65m and height 2.3m. With a pivot turning radius of 6.5m at the end of the rows.
Supported by Wine Australia’s agtech innovation program, the trials will show local growers just how well OXIN will handle local conditions at Duxton’s expansive Euston vineyard, and with the technology it will unleash able to provide valuable insights into the vineyard operation through advanced data analysis.
The partnership between Smart Machine, Duxton Vineyards and Wine Australia combines expertise and resources able to position the local grape and wine sector at the forefront of agtech trends and innovation.
Speaking on the partnership, Duxton Vineyards’ General Manager Wayne Ellis explained, “As one of Australia’s largest vineyards holders and a leader in sustainable agriculture and wine production, Duxton Vineyards is committed to implementing innovative technology that positively contributes to the environment.
“By being the first local wine producer to adapt OXIN by Smart Machine, we are continuing our sustainability journey and doing our part to evolve farming and viticulture practices in Australia,” Wayne Ellis concluded.
Designed by Smart Machine engineer Walter Langlois and product designers Andrew Kersley and Nick Gledhill, the trio has successfully produced a fully autonomous robotic vineyard tractor that can undertake all the mechanised tractor tasks required by growers.
OXIN can complete multiple tasks such as mowing, mulching and trimming, as well as weed and canopy spraying with the aid of advanced robotics and artificial intelligence – all while being managed by a single operator via user-friendly tablet software.
OXIN offers more than an autonomous platform as its design is always for improved precision, efficiency and safety, as well as minimising environmental impact. The technology also complements the existing workforce, enabling the vineyard team to focus on higher-value tasks.
Commenting on OXIN’s first trial run in the Australian market, Smart Machine CEO Andrew Kersley said, “We are committed to delivering innovative solutions for the agriculture industry and are excited to take this important step towards achieving that goal with Duxton Vineyards and Wine Australia.
“This partnership presents an opportunity to highlight OXIN’s capabilities and show how it can revolutionise the way that we approach viticulture.
“The OXIN model being trialled by Duxton Vineyards has been designed to do different tasks to the original machines developed for the NZ market, accommodating the differences in landscape and climate, which is also really exciting,” Andrew Kersley added.
Meanwhile, from a local perspective, Dave Gerner the Program Manager of Regional Innovation at Wine Australia had more to say on the collaboration, “With a key focus on investing in research and innovation for the local wine sector, Wine Australia is delighted to be a part of the OXIN trials in partnership with Duxton Vineyards.
“By contributing to the exploration of new technologies, we are further advancing our mission to keep Australia’s wine business both profitable and sustainable. We look forward to reviewing the results of the trial and how Smart Machine’s technology will be of benefit to all wine growers, across every local wine region,” Dave Gerner concluded.
The initial OXIN trials are currently underway at the 900-ha Euston vineyard located near Balranald NSW and Robinvale VIC and will continue through early 2024.
For more information on OXIN and see several models working in a fleet on this link.
OXIN Specifications
Robot tractor Manufacturer Oxin (NZ)
Dimensions Largest configuration: length 3.8m, width 1.65m, height 2.3m
Turning radius Able to pivot turn if necessary. 6.5m minimum headland
for conventional turns
Weight 1,200 to 3,200kg depending on configuration
Energy source Fully electric or up to 92kW (125hp) diesel engine option
Running gear Rubber tracks
