Autonomous agricultural robots could switch to military service.

The Spanish startup Voltrac is currently generating buzz with a new idea for its autonomous mini-tractor. This robot could prove to be a real asset for military purposes.

The 3.5-ton electric transporter from Voltrac is primarily designed to transport heavy goods on farms or collect data on plant conditions using cameras.

However, the developers have identified a new potential application for the technology. It could provide valuable support in military operations. The machine is capable of autonomously maneuvering in hostile territory and delivering essential supplies to frontline soldiers during attacks.

For example, in Ukraine, many people lose their lives in non-combat situations, including supply missions at the front. Francisco Infante Aguirre, co-founder and CTO of Voltrac, argues that a robot like theirs can make a difference in such scenarios. It is designed for challenging terrain and does not endanger human lives, capable of performing various tasks, whether transporting crops or ammunition.

Francisco Infante Aguirre comes from the family that owns Aguirre Agricola, one of Spain's largest agricultural technology manufacturers.

The Voltrac machine has a payload capacity of 4,000 kg, a top speed of 40 km/h, and a range of up to 20 hours thanks to several large 200 kW batteries housed within. The tractor's batteries, like those of an e-bike, are interchangeable but require a forklift for transport due to their weight.

Additionally, the tractor features a three-point hydraulic system and can be retrofitted with a large loading platform, enabling the transport of a supply container, beneficial for both agricultural and frontline use.

"Our tractor requires only minor hardware adjustments to seamlessly serve both the agricultural and defense markets from the same platform," says Infante. The company is already in discussions with NATO departments.

For military purposes, these "adjustments" include equipping the machine with jamming technology and interception drones for protection against enemy attacks. The machine could also be used for mine removal and detection.

Currently, the vehicle is remotely controlled, similar to a first-person-view drone. Voltrac plans to allow multiple tractors to be operated by a single person from a remote station. Once approved by authorities, the machines will operate autonomously.

Despite the military focus, the company continues practical trials for agricultural applications. The tractor is continually optimized for various tasks such as plant observation, fertilization, and plant protection.

"We are not just building a smarter tractor - we are developing a system that learns continuously. This is one of the major differences compared to other smart tractors in the market," says Thomas Hubregtsen, CEO and co-founder of Voltrac.

Hubregtsen and Aguirre joined forces a little over a year ago to establish Voltrac. The startup quickly secured $2 million in pre-seed funding from Antler and Foodlabs, enabling them to build their first prototype.

Voltrac aims to internally develop its tractors, along with the underlying hardware and software. The vehicles are mostly constructed from off-the-shelf components. With their electric drive and lack of a driver's cab, they require 70% fewer parts than a conventional tractor.

The startup is planning a seed funding round in September and aims to deliver its first vehicles in early 2026.