Merlo Spa unveils autonomous electric robot sprayer for specialized crops
Italian company Merlo Spa has developed an autonomous electric robot sprayer designed for specialised crops. The Cingo M600A-e is set to undergo testing and is expected to be ready for production in the coming months. The Cingo’s core platform is designed for use in environments like vineyards.
Equipped with a 360-degree sensing system, RTK-corrected satellite navigation, and an advanced information control unit, the sprayer is capable of operating autonomously across various agricultural scenarios in row applications. The machine utilises positioning sensors and a trajectory-controlling algorithm to maintain a consistent distance between rows.
If an obstacle is detected, both the sprayer’s movement and spraying functions are automatically paused until the obstacle is cleared. Once the path is clear, the system resumes its operations, following the GPS-guided route and avoiding any further obstructions.
The Cingo M600A-e features a 200-litre tank connected to a diaphragm pump that feeds brass nozzles and a tangential fan for precise spray distribution. Merlo says this design ensures efficient and targeted application, reducing waste and maximising the effectiveness of crop treatments.
Text continues below picture
Future attachments
The sprayer is activated automatically based on start- and end-points that have been previously recorded along the route, for high precision and minimal waste during spraying tasks, according to Merlo. The electric robot can autonomously navigate to a recharging station, making battery swapping more convenient.
The Cingo’s core platform features two 48-volt electric gear motors, an electric pump, and a 7.5-kilowatt hour lithium-ion battery. This allows the system to operate for up to four hours, with the battery fully rechargeable in just three hours.
Although the Cingo M600A-e is currently designed for spraying, the platform is adaptable for future attachments, enabling the robot to perform various tasks by swapping out tools. This flexibility makes the Cingo an autonomous tool carrier with the potential for a wide range of applications, Merlo emphasises.
Smaller model
One of the standout benefits of the Cingo M600A-e is its ability to operate continuously for up to 24 hours a day. This significantly increases productivity compared to traditional systems, which require operator breaks or shift changes. Furthermore, the Cingo is much lighter than conventional tractor-and-implement setups, offering advantages for soil health, particularly in areas where soil preservation is a key concern.
The smaller M400 electric model series emphasises sustainability and efficiency, with two prototype variations powered by different electric motor suppliers. These models integrate advanced electric power systems and battery technologies.
Join 17,000+ subscribers
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated about all the need-to-know content in the agricultural sector, two times a week.
