Geert Hekkert

Argentina, Doetinchem, Overijssel

Editor-in-Chief at Future Farming

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Articles

Agra-Trac hybrid tool carrier makes public debut in the field

2 days ago | futurefarming.com | Geert Hekkert

The Agra-Trac hybrid tool carrier, developed by Dutch manufacturer Graafstra Machinebouw, has made its first rounds in the field. This tool carrier is highly versatile, thanks in part to its electric wheel motors and stepless track width adjustment. The Agra-Trac is primarily designed for sowing and crop care operations. It is powered by a 60 hp three-cylinder Perkins engine. This setup forms a hybrid drive system: the engine drives a generator, which in turn powers the electric wheel motors.
Het Australische Q-CTRL heeft een positiebepalingssysteem ontwikkeld dat zonder gps of satelliet werkt.

2 days ago | trekkeronline.nl | Geert Hekkert

Het Australische bedrijf Q-CTRL heeft een nieuw positiebepalingssysteem ontwikkeld dat zonder gps of satellieten werkt. Deze gps-loze oplossing, genaamd Ironstone Opal, zou een uitkomst kunnen zijn voor boeren die hinder ondervinden van gps-storingen. Ironstone Opal van het Australische Q-CTRL is een gps-loze technologie die werkt met extreem gevoelige quantum-magnetometers. Een magnetometer legt magnetische velden van elke locatie op aarde vast.
Quantum navigation offers GPS-free solution for autonomous farming

1 week ago | futurefarming.com | Geert Hekkert

Australian company Q-CTRL develops quantum-based positioning system that works without satellites – a potential breakthrough for farmers facing GPS disruptions. Australian company Q-CTRL has unveiled Ironstone Opal, a new positioning system that does not rely on GPS or satellites. The system uses quantum sensors to detect tiny variations in the Earth’s magnetic field—making it immune to common GPS issues like signal loss, jamming, or interference.
Polybot project receives €220,000 to develop AI-powered harvesting robot

1 week ago | futurefarming.com | Geert Hekkert

German research team prepares to launch startup focused on autonomous crop harvesting and weeding. The team behind Polybot, a multifunctional AI-driven agricultural robot, has secured a €220,000 validation grant from Germany’s Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovation (SPRIND). The funding supports the transition from research to commercialization, with the goal of launching a startup in the coming months.
AgriRobot joins €4.97M EU project to advance autonomous farm robotics

1 week ago | futurefarming.com | Geert Hekkert

Danish agtech firm contributes safety software and showcases electric mower prototype as part of AgRibot initiativeAgriRobot, the Danish agritech startup developing autonomous safety software for farm robots, has joined AgRibot, a major new EU-funded project aimed at accelerating the adoption of robotics, AI, and XR/AR in European agriculture.
Met de Carbon AutoTractor kun je John Deere 6R- en 8R-trekkers op afstand en autonoom bedienen.

2 weeks ago | trekkeronline.nl | Geert Hekkert

Carbon Robotics introduceert de Carbon AutoTractor, een autonoom systeem dat bestaande John Deere 6R- en 8R-trekkers ombouwt tot op afstand bestuurde machines. Het systeem pakt arbeidstekorten aan door continu werken mogelijk te maken, zoals laserwieden, maaien, mulchen en eggen. De Carbon AutoTractor van Carbon Robotics bestaat uit de Carbon Autonomy Kit en het Remote Operations Control Center (ROCC). Monteurs installeren de kit binnen 24 uur op bestaande trekkers.
Oishii acquires Tortuga AgTech to scale robotic strawberry harvesting

3 weeks ago | futurefarming.com | Geert Hekkert

Acquisition includes award-winning technology and engineering team behind 2024 Ag Robot of the YearU.S.-based vertical farming company Oishii, known for its high-end strawberries and tomatoes, has acquired the key intellectual property, assets, and engineering team of Tortuga AgTech, the Colorado startup behind one of the most advanced robotic harvest systems in agriculture.
Carbon Robotics launches AutoTractor kit for autonomous John Deere tractors

3 weeks ago | futurefarming.com | Geert Hekkert

Remotely operated system offers 24/7 field work and hourly pricing model for labor-challenged growersCarbon Robotics has introduced the Carbon AutoTractor, a new autonomy kit designed to convert existing John Deere 6R and 8R series tractors into remotely monitored, autonomous machines. The system addresses growing labor shortages by enabling around-the-clock operation for tasks like laser weeding, mowing, mulching, and discing.
Hexagon launches Robotics Division to drive autonomous solutions

3 weeks ago | futurefarming.com | Geert Hekkert

New division aims to drive next-generation autonomy across industries, including agricultureHexagon, a Swedish technology company with over 24,000 employees in 50 countries, has launched a dedicated Robotics Division to accelerate the development of autonomous systems. The division will focus on delivering robotic solutions for sectors including manufacturing, logistics, energy, and agriculture, helping address workforce shortages and improve operational efficiency.
Crop.zone and Big Iron bring herbicide-free weed control to U.S.

1 month ago | futurefarming.com | Geert Hekkert

Crop.zone and Big Iron bring herbicide-free weed control to U.S.Electric crop management is an emerging alternative to chemical herbicides. It uses high-voltage electricity, combined with a conductive spray liquid, to disrupt plant cells and dry down or kill weeds and crops without synthetic chemicals. Unlike traditional chemical desiccation, this method leaves no residue and supports efforts to reduce pesticide use.