Fendt Xaver GT: Autonomous Robot for Weed Control Without a Driver

The agricultural machinery manufacturer Fendt has presented the fully autonomous field robot Xaver GT for mechanical weed control at the Agritechnica agricultural technology trade fair in Hanover. The so-called "no-man system" operates completely without a human operator, according to the manufacturer, and is intended to help farmers reduce pesticide use. Fendt, part of the AGCO group headquartered in Marktoberdorf, is deliberately building on its own history: in 1957, the company revolutionized agriculture with the one-man system of the Fendt implement carrier.

The autonomous Xaver GT features a diesel-electric drive and uses sensor technology and AI-based image processing for navigation. The diesel engine drives a 25 kW generator (48 volts), which generates electrical energy. This energy is temporarily stored in buffer batteries and then used for the electric drive of the wheels. A battery system (9 kWh) provides additional boost power for short-term peak loads.

The system can accommodate various existing implements for hoeing, harrowing, and other mechanical soil cultivation processes. Similar to the historic one-man system, the robot offers several mounting areas: front, rear, semi-mounted, and intermediate axle areas allow for the combination of multiple work steps in a single pass.

According to Fendt, mechanical weed control is currently experiencing a renaissance. Weed resistance to herbicides and societal pressure to reduce pesticide use are driving this development. Precise hoeing close to the crop is crucial, especially in row crops such as corn, beets, or soybeans. Autonomous systems could work longer and more consistently here.

For precise row guidance, the Xaver GT relies on camera-based plant row detection. The AI of the so-called "RowPilot" is intended to differentiate between crops and weeds and control the hoeing implements accordingly. According to the manufacturer, the system works reliably even in difficult lighting conditions. The slower speeds for mechanical soil cultivation – typically 6 to 12 km/h instead of 15 to 20 km/h for spraying – make autonomous solutions economically attractive, as no driver's working time is tied up.

Implements and Use Cases

The implement carrier concept allows for the use of various implements for mechanical weed control. Finger hoes, rotary hoes, harrows, and camera-controlled individual plant hoes can be combined. Fendt states that it is working with implement manufacturers to ensure compatibility. According to Fendt, the four mounting areas allow, for example, the combination of hoes at the front with harrows at the rear for a two-stage work process.

The Xaver GT could be particularly interesting for organic farms, as mechanical weed control is the only option there. However, conventional farms are also increasingly relying on combination strategies of reduced herbicide use and mechanical methods to delay resistance development. Robotics and AI in agriculture are developing into key technologies for more sustainable production methods.

Fendt states that it has integrated extensive safety functions, but the company did not provide details on sensor redundancy or emergency shutdowns during the presentation. Information on market launch, pricing, or specific availability is also still missing from the manufacturer. However, the world premiere of the Xaver GT shows the manufacturer's strategic focus on autonomous technologies. Given the increasing shortage of skilled labor in agriculture and rising demands for documentation and precision, the demand for such systems is likely to grow – provided that economic viability and reliability prove convincing in practical use.

Competition for Autonomous Agricultural Machinery

With the Xaver GT, Fendt joins a growing group of manufacturers of autonomous agricultural machinery. John Deere had already presented autonomous systems for tractors and construction machinery, and also relies on stereo cameras and lidar sensors. CNH presented the T4 Electric Power in mid-2023, an autonomous electric tractor, which is primarily designed for conventional field work.

(vza)