Red is a semi-autonomous machine with a nearly unlimited number of heavy duty applications from forestry to construction thanks to its shape-shifting design. Its unique symmetrical structure enables instantaneous switching between moving directions. Additionally, each of its “limbs” can extend or contract to accommodate varying needs and spatial requirements. All of the wheels are equipped with all-electric motors so power is distributed individually.
Its autonomous drive system also aims to improve work safety and productivity. Using infrared scanners, Red can travel autonomously between sites, programmed to follow patterned routes via GPS, track human operated vehicles, or be controlled remotely to execute more precise tasks and maneuvers.
As for safety, infrared laser scanners are installed on both sides of the bonnet and in front of the mudguards for 360 degree obstacle detection and collision avoidance. Active sensors emit high intensity illumination, making working at dark as efficient and safe as during daytime. Both ends are also equipped with optical cameras for remote control in more delicate situations.
Designer: Joona Järvinen
Trakthor is a transforming tractor concept that’s all about changing scale. Utilizing the latest in electric motors and materials, it can disassemble itself into smaller, more maneuverable units, and then reassemble itself into a bigger unit capable of pulling heavier things… all without any help from humans!
The chassis is designed to allow each wheel unlatch and roll around obstacles independently. These autonomous units allow the Trakthor to traverse varying terrains and complete separate tasks. In this mode, gyroscopic motors are activated to maintain balance.
In mode #2, Trakthor can split in two vehicles, similar in shape to a motorcycle. Slightly less maneuverable than individual units, but double the power! As technology progresses, a wide range of attachments and features for various farming activities would be made available. For example, a subsystem dedicated to tree removal or others for plowing and sowing seeds.
Designer: Ashish Thulkar & Charles Bombardier
If there’s one machine that should adhere to utilitarianism, it’s the tractor. This one by Artur Gaca, called Norss Tractor, does so beautifully. It’s an all-electric, no-frills rover designed with one thing in mind: to get the job done. Interestingly, its resulting simplicity and symmetry are expertly executed for a look that’s undeniably artistic. At the heart of the design is a mobile driver’s cab unit that is set on a track and capable of moving from one end to the other, providing the operator with enhanced views from the glass cockpit. For areas that are harder to see, lights and cameras have replaced mirrors.
Designer: Artur Gaca
Today on In Case You Missed It: MIT researchers created a kind of pesticide that is much more likely to stick on plant leaves because its additives are made of negatively and positively charged polymers that bond together. This means far less pes...
Though there’s been a great shift in the farming industry for more environmental awareness, the equipment itself has a long way to go in terms of carbon footprint. HAART Spectre introduces a new direction in the way of agricultural machinery that focuses on ecological operation. This concept uses a full electric powertrain making it clean and quiet to operate. Additionally, it utilizes a flow battery system, a revolutionary advancement that eliminates long battery charging, to power four electric motor units that give the tractor a vast amount of power.
Designer: Radim Horacek
Visual Category Coding. It dictates that a product should look a certain way, depending on which product family it comes from. For example, look at all Desktop PCs. They all look pretty much the same, because they’re built the same way. That’s until the Mac Pro came in 2013, shattering the mold to create a product that behaved the same way, but looked radically different. The VW Terram does the same thing. Utilitarian vehicles usually don’t follow the visual language of your regular urban automobile, but designer Joao Paulo Caetano feels they should. The VW Terram is a stylish SUV with tractor abilities. Designed to be a vehicle that can be driven on the field as well as in cities, the Terram has a style unique to its competition. It comes with several attachments based on its need, allowing it to be a tractor or a car, depending on what you want.
Designer: João Paulo Caetano Moreira
Harman is a compact mini-tractor designed for use in small fields, big gardens or vineyards. The design brings a new perspective to small tractors that despite their small size, are able to handle great works. To do this, the vehicle was designed with 2 tracks that lead to 1 exit on the body instead of wheels, which made the vehicle fast and small. These tracks absorb impact with a specialized damper system, enabling the driver to work with the utmost comfort. The track structure also makes it possible for the vehicle can be controlled with a joystick instead of a wheel.
The working part of the vehicle exists primarily at the back of the body. The chasis’ front is heavier then the back to balance the weight. The vehicle’s total weight is 60% on the front without its additions and 50% when its loaded or with additions.
Designer: Sinan Anayurt
Michał Skorupka aka Eric Trax doesn’t just have a badass slash on his badass name, he also makes badass scale models of farming implements using LEGO. His latest creation is this scale model of the CLAAS Jaguar 900 series.
The toy tractor has working lights and steering. Its mean-looking toothed cutterheads can spin and fold inwards. Here it is in action:
For me the color matched pieces take this build over the top. Harvest this link to Michał’s Flickr page to see more of the toy.
[via The Brothers Brick]