The Italian show marks the public debut of the Sanka, an autonomous and full electric tool carrier that generates a maximum power of 87hp.
Using tried and trusted technology from the French company’s other autonomous machines, which includes Ted and Orio, one of the main differences with the Sanka is the versatility of tools it can work.
With a rear linkage/pto (540rpm), lift capacity is 1,000kg and the vehicle can run at speeds from 0.5-6km/hr. The white front part of the 2.2-tonne machine, which contains the batteries, uses a patented technique to automatically shunt forward by up to 80cm to counterbalance the weight of rear kit.
There are two versions; a 1.3m wide version and a larger 1.8m variant. The box of tricks on top of the machine contains the Lidar, cameras and GPS RTK. There are also front and bumper sensors. Track width and length is 30cm and 1.15m, respectively.
Run time with pto-driven kit is said to be 6-8 hours (10-12 hours with the pto disengaged). The standard charger refills the battery overnight. The company is working on a faster 3-4-hour charging option.
The two prototypes evaluated this year will be joined by up to 10 pre-production models next season for testing in a wide range of different crops. Providing all goes to plan then the commercial introduction will be in 2028 when the French firm would like to sell at least 40 units.
Prices range from around €130,000 to €150,000.
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