A demonstrator model of the VoloDrone equipped with a John Deere crop protection sprayer, which is ready for its first field flight, can be seen in the Future Technology Zone at the Expo. John Deere and Volocopter are jointly presenting the first large drone adapted for agricultural use at AGRITECHNICA.
The drone is the result of a collaboration between John Deere, who bring knowledge of farmers’ needs, and the Urban Air Mobility pioneer Volocopter, whose flying taxis form the technological basis of the VoloDrone. Offering a potential payload of 200kg, the VoloDrone is able to cover an enormous area, especially under difficult operating conditions.
The VoloDrone is powered by 18 rotors with an overall diameter of 9.2 m, and features a fully electric drive using exchangeable lithium-ion batteries. One battery charge allows a flight time of up to 30 minutes, and the VoloDrone can be operated remotely or automatically on a pre-programmed route.
The companies detailed how large drones are becoming increasingly important, not just in the field of logistics but also in passenger transport while acknowledging how, at the same time, small drones are already being used in agriculture for stock control and mapping.
The development of this demonstrator is a first step towards bringing this innovative technology closer to the commercial application after full testing in the field. Appropriate flight and application tests will be carried out with the demonstrator VoloDrone sprayer over the next growing season.
Both companies went on to detail how they see great potential for VoloDrone’s use in agriculture, with capabilities ranging from difficult topography to increased efficiency in the use of crop protection agents, sowing seeds, or frost control.
