New and autonomous technologies
AG-TECH is an important component of improving on-farm efficiency in the almond industry . This month InsightTRAC and AME group came together to demonstrate their technologies at four different locations , across the major growing regions . InsightTRAC demonstrated their autonomous rover developed to remove mummies by shooting biodegradable pellets , knocking them off the tree . As it travels through the orchard , the rover also collects data on the quantity , location , and number of mummies removed allowing growers to optimise mummy removal in years to come . AME group demonstrated GoTrack , a GPS automatic drive system that can be retrofitted to an existing tractor allowing it to function autonomously . The GoTrack system can be controlled remotely using a mobile phone and has the capacity to reduce labour needs . GoTrack is a part of the almond industry ' s autonomous tractor project funded through Hort Innovation .
Those who attended the demonstration at the Almond Centre of Excellence in Loxton were also able to see a presentation of AWMA ’ s Self-Propelled Fish Screens . AWMA ’ s innovative self-cleaning intake screens provide fine filtration with low approach velocity and even flow distribution , to ensure minimal impingement and entrapment of particles onto the screen . This promotes clean screens , uninterrupted flow , and the protection of aquatic flora and fauna . The Almond Centre of Excellence plans to install these through the SA Department of Environmental Water Sustaining Riverland Environments Program .
industry . australianalmonds . com . au
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