Innovative vineyard robot developed through Moët and Yanmar partnership
6th May 2024
Moët & Chandon paired up with a viticulture tech company, Yanmar Vineyard Solutions, to advance robotic vineyard management in Champagne.
The partnership focuses on advancing robotic and autonomous solutions in vineyards by developing the YV01 autonomous vineyard robot.
This latest technology aims to innovate and improve the efficiency and safety of vineyard work.
The partnership also underscores a shared vision for a more productive, safer future in vineyard management, offering sustainability in terroir protection.
First steps
The collaboration started in 2019 when Yanmar first introduced its autonomous machine concept to Moët & Chandon.
At this time, the wine industry was beginning to explore the potential of robotic vineyard assistance.
Moët & Chandon recognised the opportunity and provided a set of specifications for a machine capable of operating on challenging plots with steep slopes and lateral slopes.
First successful field trials
In 2021, the first prototype of the YV01 was introduced. The machine was first tested on a CIVC plot to ensure it met the specifications before being released to Moët & Chandon.
Following these tests, in early 2022, Moët & Chandon undertook extensive trials with two YV01 machines on some of their most demanding plots.
The company said that this phase was crucial for evaluating the machines’ performance under real-life conditions. It also marked the start of a training programme to teach staff new ways of working in steep areas.
By the end of 2022, Moët & Chandon confirmed their intention to operate the YV01 in some of their most challenging vineyard plots in Aÿ and Cramant.
The YV01 met all the criteria for ease of use, enhanced operator safety, and regained autonomy in managing the most challenging plots.
Same performance as tractor-mounted machines
The companies said that the feedback from the winegrowers who have worked with the YV01 is “very positive”.
Growers report that “it meets all the standards of what we know on traditional tractor-mounted machinery”. In addition, the technology offers the “same quality of plant protection” while offering the advantages of improved safety and better adaptation to difficult terrain.
New weeder tool on the market
Motivated by the positive results, Yanmar Vineyard Solutions and Moët & Chandon started the development of a new weeder tool in 2023, which has been available for sale since January 2024.
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