Farming is at the forefront of the automation revolution, with new technologies transforming how crops are grown, harvested, and managed. While autonomous tractors often steal the spotlight, many farmers are finding value in specialized automation solutions that enhance productivity without requiring a complete overhaul of their equipment.
At the core of these and various other emerging and commercially available farming robotics and AGVs are various permutations of electric motors, motion controls, and linear systems. Consider two suitably robust options for the latter: Bishop-Wisecarver® LoPro® linear actuators come in an array of stock as well as customizable variations to work in robotic axes of all strokes. Farm-robot OEMs can choose from a number of drive types, including chain or belt drives. Another BW offering are UtiliTrak® linear guides, which excel at supporting and guiding loads on automated farm equipment. Both UtiliTrak guides and LoPro actuators come in variations to address two major design challenges associated with farm equipment:
• Exposure to harsh and corrosive environments
Both UtiliTrak and LoPro are built with Bishop-Wisecarver’s DualVee Motion Technology®: guide wheels and track with specialized angled running surfaces that clear off debris as the motion system runs. On top of that, UtiliTrak CR series linear guides and LoPro’s range of customizable actuators include stainless-steel guide track mounted on hard anodized aluminum to deliver maximum corrosion resistance.
• Vibration
Bishop-Wisecarver’s engineers designed versions of their core motion systems specifically for tractor-mounted systems and other vibration-prone agricultural equipment. Fitted with anti-vibration lock nuts, these solutions prevent problems associated with fasteners coming loose or off of their threaded elements and requiring additional maintenance. This feature is especially useful on farm equipment end effectors that dig, probe or shake field soil.
These linear guides, actuators, and designs based on Bishop-Wisecarver’s DualVee® wheels can be specified singly or built into completely custom solutions as necessary. Another benefit to integrating motion components from BW into farm equipment is that they withstand the abrasive nature of even very gritty soils. In this regard at least, the challenges of machine tools and textile manufacturing aren’t unlike those in agriculture. Ultimately, ruggedness in motion components makes for a lower cost of ownership for farmers and other agriculture end users, which is paramount when equipment is often expected to last for multiple decades.
For a deeper dive into how automation is transforming agriculture read this whitepaper.
