YV01, an autonomous spraying robot can transform the way vineyards operate and is backed by YANMAR’s long-established, cost-effective technology and quality

YANMAR has introduced a new, technological breakthrough for wine producers – a vineyard robot that offers a host of benefits for wine growing operations of all sizes including enhanced safety, productivity, cost reductions and versatility. YV01 is an autonomous spraying robot that can transform the way vineyards operate and is backed by YANMAR’s long-established, cost-effective technology and quality.

Due to its lightweight and compact dimensions, YV01 can climb and descend slopes of up to 45 per cent and won’t compress soils in any weather conditions. Furthermore, it is easily transportable on a small truck or trailer, whilst carrying a high payload of spraying fluids. Using an advanced spraying system, YV01 ensures that vines are precisely sprayed with the exact amount of droplets which means fewer spraying fluids are required

“YV01 offers cutting-edge autonomous technology and is flexible, lightweight and environmentally-friendly as it ensures highly accurate spraying on vines,” said Yanmar Europe, President, Peter Aarsen. He added: “It can be safely and simply operated by a nearby supervisor and it is ideally suited for vineyards which have narrow pathways and where the vines are not tall.

YANMAR’s electrostatic spraying mechanism accurately and precisely sprays plants producing healthier and cleaner vines. The process produces a fine stream of electrically charged spray droplets which are attracted to the plant leaves so that all surfaces, even hidden ones, are treated and excess spray is reduced to a minimum. Powered by a gasoline engine capable of extended use in the field YV01 is entering the testing and evaluation phase with an announcement about the start of sales expected during FY2022.

YV01 will be on show at the VITeff International Sparkling Wine Technology Exhibition till October 15 at Epernay, France.