New Holland Presents Autonomous R4 Robot Series

New Holland, a recognized leader in both specialty crops and alternative energy solutions, is previewing an advanced concept at Agritechnica. The new R4 robot series is designed to help vineyard, orchard and specialty crop growers overcome sector challenges, including labour shortages and demands for more environmentally-friendly food production.

Engineers from the CNH R&D Centre in Modena, Italy, and the New Holland Centre of Excellence for Specialty Harvesting in Coëx, France, together with colleagues from around the world, set out to refocus skilled human input where it matters: in value-added tasks. The resulting R4 robots execute repetitive, lower-value tasks where accurate and safe work does not depend on human presence – jobs such as inter-row mowing or tillage. The two autonomous robots also address the most time-consuming tasks in vineyards and orchards – spraying, for example. Managed via an app, R4 machines are controlled via a combination of GPS, LIDAR and vision cameras.

Two R4 Versions
New Holland has developed two versions of the R4 autonomous machine concept, each tailored to meet the specific needs of different specialist crop sectors. Both feature suspended rubber-track drive units to maximize traction and minimize compaction, and incorporate an intelligent, continuously-variable electric drivetrain. They can power implements electrically without hydraulic oil, reducing maintenance requirements, components, weight, emissions, cost and compaction. Both machines are compatible with existing implements.

Targeted primarily at high-end narrow vineyards, R4 Electric Power is electrically-powered via a 40kWh battery pack.




With a 1.38m maximum height and overall width of just 0.7m, the R4 Electric Power can work in 1.0-1.5m crop spacings and weighs just one tonne. A custom-designed, ultra-compact hitch has a 500kg lift capacity, and the machine can also power electrically- driven implements.

The bigger full-hybrid model, R4 Hybrid Power, is designed for orchards and fruit producers and offers more power and extended autonomy, with a power-to-weight ratio double that of a conventional specialty tractor with similar output. Weighing 1,400kg and measuring 1.2m wide, the machine is optimized for row spacings of 1.5m and above. Its double-pass capability ensures complete coverage, allowing it to operate efficiently in large orchards without misses.

Power is provided by a 59hp/44kW diesel engine which can run on vegetable oil-based fuels to cut emissions. This drives an electric generator pack for transmission and implement power. When suitable, R4 Hybrid Power can run in fully-electric mode, with the two 4kWh batteries powering the machine for zero-emission and quiet operation. The electrically-powered Cat I/II hitch is maintenance-free. A mechanical 540rpm PTO with intelligent progressive clutching works with standard implements - and a 48V/12kW e-PTO socket can power future electrically-driven machines.




Implement Functions
Intelligent electrical implement management functions were conceived to ensure operator safety and further minimize the environmental impact of both R4 machines. For example, intelligent spraying technology can automate flow rate control and both headland management and canopy gap on/off switching. It also automates spraying by canopy height. Additionally, work is continuing to develop a system to enable spot spraying according to disease detection.