The Italians create a zero -emission field robot ‘sandy h2’

The Future of Farming: Ecothea’s Hydrogen-Powered Agricultural Robot

The agriculture industry is on the brink of a revolution, driven by advancements in technology that are transforming customary farming practices. Italian start-up ecothea SRL is at the forefront of this revolution with its innovative zero-emissions agricultural robot,Smilling h₂.

A Enduring Solution for Modern Agriculture

Launched in 2018,Ecothea specializes in developing technologies for agricultural,building,zoo,and vehicle production. Their latest creation, Smilling h₂, is a modern autonomous field robot powered by cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cell technology. This groundbreaking technology was developed in close collaboration with the prestigious Turin Polytechnic University.

“The robot is capable of carrying loads up to 400 kg and operating field units, such as sprayers, fertilizer dispersers and other agricultural machinery,”

states Ecothea’s management.

The robot’s durability and thoughtful all-wheel drive with differential make it adaptable to a wide range of operating conditions, both within and outside traditional agricultural settings.

Hydrogen Power: Unlocking Efficiency and Autonomy

Smilling h₂ is equipped with an electric drive system supported by a range extender using a hydrogen fuel cell. This innovative solution significantly enhances its efficiency and autonomy, enabling extended operation without the need for frequent charging. The hydrogen itself is safely stored in a metal hydride tank, prioritizing safety.

Advanced Lidar systems, sophisticated control algorithms, and precise road-tracking capabilities ensure accurate operation for tasks requiring intricate maneuvers, such as orchards and vineyards. The robot is powered by a 48V lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 2 kWh, complemented by a range extender that produces 1.5 kWh of energy, increasing its autonomous operation by 80%. The fuel cell system, utilizing hydrogen and oxygen from the air, converts them into electricity, generating clean power.

Connectivity and User-Friendliness

Smilling h₂ boasts four autonomous electric motor blocks,each powering a wheel and controlled by a sophisticated logic system. All data is transmitted through a Canbus network, and an integrated Industry 4.0 system allows for remote monitoring, data transmission, and storage on the cloud or a dedicated server.

ecothea prioritizes user-friendliness with a simple human-machine interface. The robot is equipped with a touch screen interface and remote control functionality, enabling precise and efficient operations. Its modular design concept allows a single platform to perform various tasks, from monitoring plant health and quality to transportation.

Making Waves in the Agriculture industry

Smilling h₂ was first presented at the Eima 2024 exhibition, showcasing its capabilities to a global audience. The robot is now ready for market introduction, poised to become a game-changer in the agricultural landscape.

Ecothea’s hydrogen-powered agricultural robot represents a significant step forward in sustainable and efficient farming practices. By minimizing environmental impact, increasing productivity, and offering innovative solutions, Smilling h₂ exemplifies the future of agriculture.

– What are the potential applications of Smilling h₂ in various agricultural settings and how does it benefit farmers?

Archyde Exclusive: Revolutionizing Farming – A Conversation with Ecothea’s CEO, Dr. Italo Rossini

Ecothea: Pioneering the Hydrogen-Powered Agricultural Revolution

We sat down with Dr. italo Rossini, CEO of ecothea SRL, to discuss thier groundbreaking robotic innovations reshaping the agriculture industry. Ecothea’s latest creation, Smilling h₂, an autonomous field robot powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology, is set to transform customary farming practices worldwide.

Agricultural Innovation: Q&A with Dr.Italo Rossini

Archyde: To start, could you tell our readers about ecothea’s mission and what drives your continued innovation in the agricultural sector?

Dr. Italo Rossini: Thank you for having me. At ecothea, we’re committed to developing technologies that make the world a better place. Agriculture is a critical sector that touches everyone’s lives, yet it’s facing numerous challenges – from climate change to labor shortages. Our mission is to create smart, sustainable, and efficient solutions to tackle these issues head-on.

Archyde: Your latest offering, Smilling h₂, is quite remarkable. How does this hydrogen-powered agricultural robot differ from customary farming methods and equipment?

Dr. Italo Rossini: Smilling h₂ represents a significant leap forward in agricultural innovation. Firstly, it’s autonomous, reducing the need for manual labor. But beyond that, it’s our hydrogen fuel cell technology that truly sets it apart. This clean, efficient power source eliminates emissions, minimizes environmental impact, and provides extended operation without the need for frequent charging or refueling.

archyde: That’s impressive. How has working with Torino University helped in developing this technology?

Dr.Italo Rossini: Collaborating with Torino University has been invaluable. Their expertise in hydrogen fuel cell technology has been vital in developing the range extender system that powers Smilling h₂.Plus, their insights into efficient energy management algorithms have enhanced the robot’s overall performance and autonomy.

Archyde: Smilling h₂ seems incredibly versatile. Can you expand on its potential applications and the benefits it brings to farmers?

Dr.Italo Rossini: Indeed, it is. Thanks to its robust design, advanced sensors, and modular architecture, Smilling h₂ can be employed in various agricultural settings – from vast open fields to intricate orchards and vineyards. It can transport loads, operate sprayers, dispersers, and other field units, even monitor plant health. This versatility helps farmers increase productivity, reduce costs, and adopt more sustainable practices.

Archyde: What’s the ultimate goal for Smilling h₂,and where do you see ecothea in the future?

Dr. Italo rossini: Our ultimate goal is to make Smilling h₂ a game-changer in global agriculture. We want to see our robots working side-by-side with farmers worldwide, helping them tackle challenges and adopt more sustainable practices. As for ecothea,we’re committed to continuous innovation. We’re already exploring new areas like precision agriculture and vertical farming, always with an eye on sustainability and efficiency.

Archyde: Dr. Rossini, what message do you have for our readers about the future of agriculture?

Dr. Italo Rossini: The future of agriculture is bright, but it requires collective effort. Farmers, policymakers, and technology companies must work together to implement sustainable practices and innovative solutions. The good news is, technologies like Smilling h₂ are proving that efficiency and sustainability can go hand in hand. The agriculture of tomorrow will be cleaner, smarter, and more productive – and that’s a future we can all look forward to.