VINNOPOLE SUD OUEST

Living Lab

Occitanum – Open Lab Viticulture

How the farm is managed

Experimental farm

Technology

The Auto-steering System for vineyard tractors based on Lidar detection of the rows is a very simple and effective way to benefit from driving assistance in any vine, even with irregular rows. It is a hardware plus software solution destinated to help vine growers during their work, allowing them to focus their attention on important matter like the settings of the tools. Moreover, the system should provide more comfort and should decrease the physical tensions due to precise driving and concentration in the row. Unlike other auto-steering rtk-based solutions, it doesn’t require any line configuration to be used. The Lidar at the front measures the respective distances of the rows on both sides of the tractor and adjust the position of the tractor thanks to an electric steering device that is installed above the steering wheel. The benefit for the users is more comfort than time and money savings, but as it may reduce the fatigue of the driver, there is a little chance in the long term to increase the performance.