| 3 “It puts us in a pretty unique position globally. The wine market is in a tough spot at the moment, and this technology shows how things could be done differently to overcome the cost of production problems.” Smart Machine T T Karen Phelps Redefining work in the vineyard Smart Machine’s flagship innovation Oxin, an autonomous, multi-tasking robotic tractor is now attracting international attention. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT When Andrew Kersley and his business partners Walter Langlois and Nick Gledhill first began developing autonomous vineyard machinery in 2019, the viticulture sector was under mounting pressure. Labour shortages were biting, compliance demands were increasing, and margins were tightening. Andrew says the cost squeeze meant something had to change. “The amount of money you can sell grapes for hasn’t shifted much, but the cost of producing them has. Those pressures exist globally and we knew if we were going to invent a product it had to meet a global market,” says Andrew. That idea became Smart Machine’s flagship innovation: Oxin, an autonomous, multi-tasking robotic tractor which is now attracting international attention. The company partnered early with grape grower Pernod Ricard in a structured R&D process to ensure the machine addressed real-world challenges. Pernod Ricard remains an investor, validating both the technology and the need for a transformative solution. Andrew says what sets Oxin apart is its capability. “It’s the world’s most functionally advanced machine of its kind able to mow, mulch, trim, defoliate, desucker, skirt, weed spray, canopy spray, capture data and tow, and combinations of these tasks — up to four at once — can be done within a single row pass. “No other machine in the global market can perform the full range of tractor-based vineyard tasks autonomously. “It puts us in a pretty unique position globally. The wine market is in a tough spot at the moment, and this technology shows how things could be done differently to overcome the cost of production problems.” Each Oxin can be monitored remotely with one operator managing multiple units. Using advanced sensors, real-time navigation and a multi-tier safety system, the machine runs pre-planned missions day or night. It remains in the work block permanently, built for reliability with a 135hp diesel engine and a hydraulic pump stack delivering 220L/ min of flow. It has already been deployed at scale across both cool and warm climate vineyards in New Zealand and Australia, covering more than 3000 hectares of some of the toughest growing conditions. “Smart Machine’s patented dynamic implement control technology positions tools exactly where required, enabling consistent and repeatable results.,” Andrew says. “With real-time video feeds, data capture and mapping, growers can make faster and more informed decisions. “The machine also reduces soil compaction, emissions and plant damage by minimising machinery needs and row passes.” The company’s founders see their work as the natural next step in a century of agricultural innovation. “From Clydesdales to tractors, mechanisation has always shifted what farmers can achieve,” says Andrew. “Autonomous machinery will redefine the next era of viticulture.” Although designed for vineyards, the underlying technology can also be adapted for other large-scale, structured row crops such as berries, apples and nuts. This diversification is expected to form part of Smart Machine’s next phase of development, alongside its expansion. “Our journey now is about how we scale globally,” says Andrew. “With the technology already having been tested in Australia and demonstrated across the United States Smart Machine is now exploring partnerships to formally enter both markets.” Andrew says major brands overseas are taking notice. “We’ve got some large global names in latestage conversations, and we’re really excited about the next 12-24 months. “It’s now about forming the business structure to take this product to the world.” 03 548 8620 | 027 235 3480 | admin@laserfabriweld.co.nz | www.laserfabriweld.co.nz Nelson based Laser Cutting CNC Pressing Sheet Metal & Welding Engineers Aluminium Fabrication Stainless Specialists
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