Guardian Agriculture just partnered with Wilbur-Ellis to rollout what it calls the first fully autonomous crop protection aircraft system.
The company says its 100% electric drone can carry hundreds of pounds with its four 6’ propellers stretched across the 15’ wide machine. It’s capable of spraying 40 acres per hour.
Wilbur-Ellis and Guardian Agriculture have signed an agreement for first access of technology via a mulit-million dollar agreement with its Cavallo Ventures arm. Wilbur-Ellis reports an application footprint of five million acres annually, and company leaders say they are eager to add new aircraft technologies to their fleet of helicopter and fix-wing applicators.
“This is the first new aerial technology to make a material impact on American farms. We believe it can be profitably and rapidly deployed and are looking forward to working with Guardian Ag to roll out their technology to our customers and partners,” said Chief Executive Officer of Cavallo Ventures at Wilbur-Ellis, Mike Wilbur.
Guardian Ag’s fully electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft system is manufactured in the U.S. The eVTOL system includes an autonomous aircraft, ground station supercharger, and software for precision spraying and data collection.
“As the largest commercial commitment to agriculture robotics to date, this investment and partnership signify Wilbur-Ellis’ dedication to delivering meaningful, impactful innovation and technology to growers across our footprint,” said John Buckley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wilbur-Ellis.
Guardian says the regulatory approval process is under way, and it expects these drones to be available for growers starting in 2023.
