Faster in the barrel Igus energy chains supply robots for grape harvesting

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igus GmbH

Taiwan Machine Tool & Accessory Builders' Association (TMBA)

Wuxi InfiMotion Technology Co., Ltd.

There is a shortage of skilled workers in agriculture too, which also affects winegrowers. A solution now comes in the form of a grape-harvesting robot from CH Engineering.

The robotic harvesting machine operating along the Mosel is based on the UT110-evo crawler vehicle, as Igus reports. With a width of 1.32 meters (approx. 4,3 ft), a length of 3.2 meters (approx. 10,5 ft), and a weight of 2.7 tons, the system is relatively lightweight and compact enough to be transported on a tractor trailer, as further detailed. These characteristics ultimately allow for use in vineyards, where narrow access roads are not uncommon. Upon arrival at the destination, a side ramp unfolds from the trailer, allowing the vehicle to drive onto the vineyard row. A winch connects the vehicle to the trailer, providing a pulling force of 1.5 tons, enabling gradients of up to 75 percent to be tackled, as Igus emphasizes. In these extreme vineyard terrains, the driver can align the tilt of their seat with the horizon to reduce strain on the body.

Igus energy chains increase robustness

A key achievement of the engineers at CH Engineering was the development of a vehicle that withstands the harsh conditions of the vineyard while minimizing maintenance for vintners. The engineers chose, among other things, energy chains made of high-performance plastic from Igus to route the hydraulic and electric lines from the vehicle to the harvest head. These chains not only prevent lines from kinking and jamming but also eliminate the risk of them getting caught in the vines. They also contribute to increasing the machine's longevity. Igus energy chains are made of durable, corrosion-free, UV- and chemical-resistant high-performance plastic, maintaining their mechanical properties without maintenance for years, as stated. The engineers also replaced traditional metal rolling bearings. Typical bearings were so aggressively attacked by grape must that, despite daily lubrication, they only lasted one season before needing replacement, as past experience showed. Therefore, Igus plastic plain bearings are now used. They are corrosion-free, robust, and require no additional lubrication, as integrated solid lubricants in the polymer enable a low-friction dry run.

When the vine gets a good shake...

Another component of the system is the steep-slope harvester CH 500. It is an attachment that can be connected to the front loading platform of the crawler vehicle in 30 minutes via six screws. Its shape resembles an oversized nutcracker, as two movable arms are visible at the top of the machine. These arms encircle the vine. Inside these arms are shaking rods, which vibrate the vine at up to 620 oscillations per minute, shaking off the grapes. A catching system beneath the beating mechanism catches the grapes and transports them into a collection container, as Igus explains. The harvesting machine moves down the vineyard at a maximum speed of 4.5 kilometers per hour (approx. 2,8 mph), which is significantly faster than any human harvester. On the return trip, assisted by the winch, it even reaches up to double the speed. Once the system is back on the trailer, workers empty the container and position the vehicle for the next row of vines until the entire harvest is brought in.