The Phoenix robot was developed by the Institute of Agricultural Engineering at the University of Hohenheim in Germany. Phoenix is a versatile and innovative machine capable of precise cutting, such as mowing grass or loosening soil with a 100kg hoe.
However, unlike most other crop weeding machines, its operation is controlled by a joystick. The hoe slowly rises, the Phoenix moves to the next position, and lowers the auxiliary device again. The adjustable system is concealed at the back of the robot, and the powerful LINAK® push rod LA36 provides automatic lifting and lowering movement.
Free movement throughout the day, full workload
The battery power is sufficient for 8 hours of operation per day. One of the three LA36 actuators is used for lifting (4,500N), another for tilting (2,600N), and the third for lateral displacement of the auxiliary device (1,700N). All actuators are controlled via a CAN bus interface. At the end of the planting row, Phoenix can independently lift and rotate the working device and react to changes. For example, if the planting row is not in a straight line, weeds can be removed from the crop.
Benefits of moving towards electrification
For David Reiser, an intern engineer at the University of Hohenheim, there were many reasons for choosing LINAK electric linear actuators for his project.
"The vehicle's weight is appropriately proportioned to the pushrod. This vehicle is electric and powered by batteries; therefore, no hydraulic systems are involved. Furthermore, the linear pushrod allows for direct linear adjustment of the vehicle."
Reiser believes that the biggest advantage of LINAK actuators is their control via CAN bus. This requires internal communication within the robot. The actuators, controlled by the CAN bus, can move to specific positions. This provides programmers with more options and allows for precise control of the system's movement.
Furthermore, the electric linear actuators, with millimeter-precise control, ensure that auxiliary equipment can be controlled via an automatic changing system. Stereo cameras and laser scanners are used to determine the required position data and transmit it to the drive and electric linear actuators.
For Reiser and Hohenheim University, this vision for future agriculture can be put into practice and clearly communicated to students at the institute through the Phoenix robot.
“At the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels, students can conduct research in the field of robotics and develop innovative solutions. Thanks to LINAK’s support, a prototype of the mobile frame has been developed and tested in practice multiple times,” Reiser said.
