Pernod Ricard Winemakers, a global leader in wine and spirits production, has taken a significant leap towards revolutionizing the viticulture industry by investing in the development and integration of the world’s first Autonomous Vineyard Tractors (AVTs).
This innovative move, achieved through a strategic collaboration with Smart Machine, focuses on customizing the Oxin AVTs to meet the specific demands of their Marlborough vineyards in New Zealand.
The introduction of these cutting-edge Oxin AVTs marks a transformative moment for both viticulture and agriculture across New Zealand. By enhancing vineyard efficiency and addressing the persistent labor shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, these AVTs offer a sustainable and forward-thinking solution to the industry's challenges.
Addressing Labor-Intensive Tasks with Precision
The Oxin AVT has been meticulously designed to tackle labor-intensive tasks such as mowing, mulching, and defoliating. These activities, traditionally requiring significant human labor, can now be performed with greater precision and consistency by the autonomous tractors, providing a reliable and scalable alternative.
David Allen, Viticulture Transformation Manager at Pernod Ricard Winemakers, emphasized the significance of this technological advancement: “We’re proud of our continued investment in this technology and seeing first-hand how it can revolutionize the viticulture landscape. It has been a truly collaborative experience, and I’m excited to see how the machines can continue to be adapted for other growers and industries.”
Expanding Innovation to Hawke’s Bay
Building on the success in Marlborough, Pernod Ricard Winemakers has integrated two Oxin AVTs into their operations in Hawke’s Bay. This investment is part of a broader strategy to ensure that this new capability can benefit not only their vineyards but also other growers in the region. The swift implementation process included block mapping, network setup, and operator training, all completed within two weeks at the remote Matapiro Vineyard.
Commitment to Sustainability and Efficiency
Sustainability is a core principle for Pernod Ricard Winemakers, as highlighted by Kate Lattey, Transformation Director at the company. She stated, “Sustainability is at the forefront for Pernod Ricard, and we are always looking at ways to reduce our impact on the soil and our carbon footprint. From the beginning, we discussed how many tasks could be done simultaneously in a single pass. The more tasks we can do at once, the less time the machine has to travel up and down the rows.”
This commitment aligns with Pernod Ricard’s broader sustainability agenda, particularly the ‘Nurturing Terroir’ pillar of their Sustainability and Responsibility Roadmap. By reducing the time AVTs spend moving through the vineyards, the company not only minimizes soil compaction but also significantly cuts down on their carbon emissions.
Future Innovations and Green Energy
Looking ahead, Pernod Ricard Winemakers is focused on optimizing the use of AVTs across their operations and exploring the potential of smaller, fully electric machines. A major milestone anticipated for 2024 is the development of a green energy prototype of the AVTs. This initiative underscores the company’s dedication to innovative, eco-friendly practices that support long-term sustainability goals.
In conclusion, Pernod Ricard Winemakers’ investment in Oxin AVTs represents a pivotal advancement in viticulture technology. By enhancing efficiency, addressing labor shortages, and committing to sustainability, the company is setting a new standard for the industry. As these autonomous tractors continue to evolve, they hold the promise of reshaping vineyard management practices not just in New Zealand, but globally.
Source: Pernod Ricard Winemakers