FAQs
Who is FarmTech Australia?
We're a team bringing the world's best agricultural technology to Australian farms, tested in the paddock and backed by decades of farming experience. Contact us to see how we can help.
What machine is right for me?
Every farm is different, and the right agricultural technology depends on your crop, soil, and system. With trial experience across a wide range of Australian growing conditions, we can point you toward equipment that's proven to work for your setup. Give us a call for advice specific to your farm.
How do I know if new technology will work on my farm before I invest?
That's exactly what we're here for. We run real-world trials and demonstrations so you can see equipment perform in Australian paddocks before you commit. Get in touch to arrange a demonstration.
Is the equipment suited to organic or chemical-free farming?
Many of the technologies we trial, like laser weeding and precision spraying, are designed to reduce or eliminate chemical inputs. Contact us to talk through options for your system.
What do Australian farmers need from agricultural technology?
Robust, reliable equipment that's built for Australian conditions, backed by local support and priced to compete. If you're developing equipment and want to understand opportunities in Australia, we can help you get it right from the start.
How do I test my equipment in real Australian farming conditions?
We work directly with manufacturers to trial equipment in the paddock, not the lab, so you get honest, on-farm feedback before you go to market. Reach out to arrange a trial.
What does it take to bring international equipment into the Australian market?
Australian conditions, from climate to soil to farm scale, can be very different from overseas markets. We help manufacturers adapt and validate their equipment locally. Contact us to discuss your product.
Can Farmdroid handle multiple crops?
The robot is compatible with more than 50 crops and can easily be moved between paddocks with different crops. One paddock can also be divided into smaller plots with different crops.
Compatible crops are beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, chicory, coriander, dill, hemp, onion, parsley, radish, rapeseed, spinach, sugar beet, turnip.
A large seed planter is currently in development for cotton, corn, beans and pumpkins.
How can Farmdroid achieve blind weeding?
The robot uses RTK GPS technology to seed and weed. It does not rely on camera or sensor systems to weed. Therefore, it can also start weeding even before the crops have germinated. It does not need to see the crops, because it knows exactly where they are placed in the field.
There is a camera on the robot, but it just enables the farmer to remotely log into the robot from a dedicated mobile app, to see how the robot is working.
How do you transport Farmdroid?
There are different ways of transporting the robot:
- With a 3-point hitch that is compatible with all tractors to move it on private roads and between fields
- A dedicated transport platform for public roads
- By putting the FarmDroid in manual mode and steer it manually for short distances
Is Farmdroid only for Organic Farmers?
No. The FarmDroid can be used by both organic and conventional farmers. Not only can FarmDroid reduce the cost, time and hard work of manual hand weeding, it can also reduce the use of chemicals in conventional farming as well. It does that by combining mechanical weeding with a high-precision Spot Application System (Spray Pack) that can put a dose of fertiliser or pesticides.
What kind of soil types can the robot work in?
The FarmDroid is able to work in different soil types. To increase traction, it is possible to add weight strategically on the robot while also putting more pressure when seeding. There are three different wheel configurations to handle different terrain and topography.
Can Farmdroid work if there is no sun?
Yes, the solar panels on top of the robot charge the batteries so that the robot can drive when there is no sun. Running solely on solar energy the robot can run between 18-24 hours a day, depending on weather conditions. The solar panels can deliver up to 1.6 kWh corresponding to 20 kWh a day. That gives the FarmDroid enough power to avoid charging the batteries externally.
If that is not enough power, it is also possible to add a Powerbank to your robot. When the weather is bad for longer periods, and there is not enough sun to power your FarmDroid, the Powerbank will provide you with extra energy. A fully charged Powerbank can provide up to 12 hours of operation.
Do you have to supervise Farmdroid while it works?
No. The robot is autonomous, meaning that it can work independently and without supervision. It has several safety measures in place including the geo-fence. For example, as it seeds, the robot counts every seed. If a seed gets stuck or if the robot runs out of seeds, it stops and sends a notification to your smartphone right away. Should anything deviate from the robot’s specific settings, it will automatically stop working.
Get in touch
If you’d like more information or to see an in-field demonstration get in touch using our contact form or email sales@farmtechaustralia.com.au