Yanmar Vineyard Solutions, the viticulture technology subsidiary of Yanmar, is proud to highlight its partnership with the renowned Champagne House Maison Moët & Chandon. The partnership focuses on advancing robotic and autonomous solutions in the vineyards by means of the development of the YV01 autonomous vineyard robot, aiming to innovate and improve the efficiency and safety of vineyard work today.
This partnership between Yanmar Vineyard Solutions and Maison Moët & Chandon is an important milestone. It underscores a shared vision for a more productive, safer future in vineyard management, offering sustainability in terroir protection.
First steps in 2019
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 recognized the opportunity and provided a set of specifications for a machine capable of operating under 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. This phase was crucial for evaluating the machines’ performance under real-life conditions. It also marked the start of a training program 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
Feedback from the winegrowers who have worked with the YV01 is very positive. They report that “it meets all the standards of what we know on traditional tractor-mounted machinery”. In addition, it 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.
Source: mbtmag.com
DS Smith has reduced GHG emissions by 19% compared to 2019 and 2020, according to its latest Sustainability Report, which sets out the company’s commitments across key focus areas of Circularity, Carbon, Nature and People & Communities.
Danaher is setting up two labs to accelerate the development of companion and complementary diagnostics, the company said Wednesday. The company plans to open a lab in the U.K. this month to support partnerships with pharma companies and academic institutions. Danaher is aiming to open another lab in the U.S. later this year.
Krones, a provider of machinery and solutions for the beverage, food and pharma industries, has spun-off its recycling division as an independent subsidiary company, Krones Recycling. Under the management of Michael Gotsche, the new company will take over all of Krones’ activities related to plastics recycling. However, it will continue to leverage the company’s global production, sales and service network.
