Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

General Questions

Q1: What is the Modular Farm Platform?

A: It's an electric robot designed specifically for small-scale permanent bed farms (2-10 acres). The robot straddles 3 ft wide beds, runs on the paths between beds, and accepts quick-change attachments for different tasks like spreading compost, transplanting seedlings, or precision seeding. Think of it like a pickup truck—you buy the base vehicle once, then add different "tools" (attachments) as needed.

Q2: How is this different from a regular farm tractor?

A:

Key differences:

  • Size: Straddles 3 ft beds vs. 6-12 ft tractor width

  • Soil health: Runs in paths (no bed compaction) vs. tractor drives on beds

  • Power: Electric (quiet, zero emissions) vs. diesel (loud, polluting)

  • Cost: $22K-35K vs. $50K-150K+ for tractor + implements

  • Operation: Autonomous modes available vs. always requires operator

  • Precision: Software-controlled depth/spacing vs. manual adjustment

  • Scale: Optimized for 2-10 acres vs. 20+ acres

What it's NOT: It's not trying to replace tractors for large farms. It's purpose-built for the small permanent-bed farming that tractors don't serve well.

Q3: Who is this for?

A: Best fit:

  • Market gardens (2-10 acres with permanent beds)

  • Small organic farms (intensive production)

  • CSA operations (diverse crops, frequent planting)

  • Urban farms (limited space, noise restrictions)

  • Regenerative farms (soil health focus)

  • Aging farmers (want to reduce physical strain)

Probably NOT for:

  • Large commodity farms (>50 acres)

  • Farms without permanent bed systems

  • Farms with very rough terrain (steep slopes, deep mud)

  • Farms that need to move heavy loads long distances

Q4: How much does it cost?

A:

Base platform only: $22,000-25,000

  • Includes: Robot, battery, sensors, controls, app, 1-year warranty

  • Does NOT include: Attachments (sold separately)

Package deals (base + attachments):

  • Base + Compost Spreader: $26,000-30,000

  • Base + Transplanter: $26,000-30,000

  • Base + Both Attachments: $30,000-35,000 (best value)

Lease option:

  • $5,000-7,000/year (3-year minimum)

  • Includes: Base + both attachments + maintenance + support

Additional costs:

  • Extended warranty: $1,000-1,500/year (after year 1)

  • Support plans: $800-1,500/year

  • Replacement parts: Varies (spare parts kits available)

Q5: What's the return on investment (ROI)?

A:

Labor savings (main ROI driver):

  • Manual compost spreading: 40-60 hours per acre per year

  • At $15-20/hour: $600-1,200 per acre in labor costs

  • 3-acre farm, 2 applications/year: $3,600-7,200/year saved

Robot costs (amortized):

  • Purchase price: $30,000 (base + both attachments)

  • Lifespan: 5-7 years

  • Annual cost: $4,300-6,000 (amortization + maintenance + electricity)

Break-even: 3-4 years for a typical 3-acre market garden

ROI improves with:

  • Larger acreage (5-10 acres)

  • More frequent applications (3-4× per year)

  • Higher local labor costs ($20+/hour)

  • Opportunity cost (your time is valuable)

Additional benefits (not easily quantified):

  • Reduced physical strain (fewer injuries, longer farming career)

  • Improved consistency (better yields, less waste)

  • More time for other tasks (sales, planning, crop management)

Technical Questions

Q6: How long does the battery last?

A:

Varies by task:

  • Light work (manual driving, no attachment): 8-10 hours

  • Mixed operation (driving + light attachment work): 4-6 hours

  • Heavy duty (continuous spreading/transplanting with full load): 2-3 hours

  • Standby (idle, monitoring): Several days

Charging time:

  • Standard charger (500W): 5-7 hours (overnight)

  • Fast charger (1,000W): 3-4 hours (optional, costs extra)

Tips to maximize runtime:

  • Work during optimal conditions (avoid extreme heat/cold)

  • Maintain tire pressure (reduces drag)

  • Plan routes efficiently (minimize empty travel)

  • Consider second battery for all-day operation ($1,500)

Q7: Does it work without GPS?

A: Yes, but with reduced autonomy.

GPS modes:

  • RTK GPS available (1-2 cm accuracy): Full autonomous navigation, bed-to-bed movement

  • Standard GPS only (~1-3m accuracy): Can still navigate, but less precise positioning

  • No GPS (under heavy tree canopy): Falls back to wheel encoders + camera row-following

What still works without GPS:

  • Manual control (drive it like an RC car)

  • Follow-me mode (uses UWB tracker, not GPS)

  • Straight-line passes along beds (uses camera to follow bed edges)

  • Attachment functions (spreading, transplanting)

What doesn't work without GPS:

  • Bed-to-bed autonomous navigation

  • Return to charging dock

  • Precise positioning for farm mapping

Bottom line: Most farms will want RTK GPS for full functionality, but robot is still useful without it.

Q8: What if it breaks down?

A:

Support options:

  • Remote support (included): Phone/video call, diagnostics via telemetry

  • On-site support (premium plan): Technician comes to your farm

  • User repair (encouraged): We provide detailed repair manuals, many parts are user-replaceable

Common repairs:

  • Battery: User-replaceable (4 bolts, 1 connector) - $1,500-2,500

  • Motors: Modular mounts, can swap in field - $200-400 each

  • Sensors: Plug-and-play, user-replaceable - $50-500

  • Electronics: Boards are modular, can ship replacements - $200-1,000

Warranty:

  • Year 1: Full coverage (parts + labor)

  • Years 2-5: Optional extended warranty ($1,000-1,500/year)

Parts availability:

  • Common parts (motors, sensors, connectors): Shipped within 2 days

  • Major components (battery, computer): 5-7 days

  • Emergency parts (critical breakdowns): Next-day air available

Philosophy: We design for field serviceability. You shouldn't need a PhD to fix your robot.

Q9: Can I use it in the rain?

A:

Light rain: Yes (robot is IP65 rated—dust tight, water resistant)

Heavy rain (>0.5" per hour): No

  • Electronics are sealed, but excessive moisture affects:

    • GPS accuracy

    • Camera vision

    • Traction (slippery paths)

    • Safety (reduced visibility)

After rain:

  • Check paths (avoid deep mud >3-4")

  • Allow bed surface to drain (avoid compaction)

  • Wipe sensors and camera (clear any mud splatter)

Never operate in:

  • Thunderstorms (lightning risk to GPS antenna)

  • Freezing rain (ice)

  • Heavy fog (camera can't see)

Storage:

  • Keep under cover when not in use (barn, shed, covered parking)

  • Don't need climate control (rated -10°C to 45°C)

Q10: How does it know where the beds are?

A:

Option 1: Manual mapping (simple, recommended for v1)

  1. Drive robot to start of first bed (manual mode)

  2. Press "Mark Bed Start" in app

  3. Drive to end of bed

  4. Press "Mark Bed End"

  5. Repeat for all beds

  6. Robot saves GPS coordinates and creates map

Option 2: Camera-based (works without pre-mapping)

  • Camera detects bed edges (color/texture difference from path)

  • Robot follows edges in real-time

  • No pre-mapping needed, but requires visible bed edges

Option 3: SLAM (future, advanced)

  • Robot drives around farm automatically

  • Builds map using LiDAR and GPS

  • Most accurate but requires additional sensors

Map editing:

  • Edit in app (rename beds, adjust lengths, add notes)

  • Export/import (backup to cloud, share with crew)

  • Update seasonally (beds change location/shape)

Q11: What about obstacles (people, animals, tools)?

A:

Detection:

  • Ultrasonic sensors: Detect objects 0.5-4m away (front, sides, rear)

  • Camera: Visual detection of people, large objects

  • Future: LiDAR for 360° coverage

Response:

  • Far (2-4m): Slow to 50% speed, alert user

  • Near (<1m): Slow to 10% speed, prepare to stop

  • Very close (<0.5m): Full stop, sound alarm

  • Contact (bumper, if equipped): Immediate stop

After stopping:

  • Alert user (app notification + sound)

  • Wait for manual intervention (user can reverse, go around, or clear obstacle)

  • Does NOT attempt to navigate around obstacles automatically (safety first)

Limitations:

  • Small objects (rocks <3-4", thin stakes) may not be detected

  • Very low objects (below sensor height) may not be seen

  • Fast-moving objects (running dog) may not be avoided in time

Best practice: Keep work area clear, inform crew when robot operating, use fencing for animals if needed.

Q12: Can multiple people control it?

A: Yes, with access control.

User roles:

  • Owner: Full control (add/remove users, change settings, control robot)

  • Operator: Can run tasks, manual control (can't change settings or add users)

  • Viewer: Monitor only (see status, can't control)

Adding users:

  • Owner sends invite via app

  • New user downloads app, accepts invite

  • Can set permissions per user

Use cases:

  • Farm owner + employees (owner manages, employees operate)

  • Training new workers (viewer mode to learn, then upgrade to operator)

  • Remote monitoring (manager views from office, operators in field)

Safety:

  • Any user can trigger E-stop (always available)

  • Only one user can control at a time (prevents conflicts)

  • Audit log (who did what, when)

Attachment Questions

Q13: How hard is it to change attachments?

A: Very easy—designed for one person in <5 minutes, no tools.

Process:

  1. Park robot on level ground

  2. Open app, select "Change Attachment"

  3. Push spring collars to unlock pins (4× pins)

  4. Slide old attachment straight back off robot

  5. Unplug electrical connector

  6. Align new attachment (tapered guides make this foolproof)

  7. Push new attachment forward until pins engage

  8. Pull spring collars to lock pins

  9. Plug in electrical connector

  10. Robot automatically detects new attachment and loads correct software

Time: ~3-5 minutes once you've done it a few times

Physical effort: Attachments are on wheels or have handles (no heavy lifting)

Q14: Why don't you have a mechanical PTO like tractors?

A: We use an electric power interface instead, which is better for our application.

Advantages of electric power:

  • More flexible: Attachments can have multiple motors at different speeds

  • Safer: No exposed rotating shaft (major hazard on tractors)

  • More controllable: Precise electronic speed/torque control

  • Lower maintenance: No bearings, seals, or gearboxes to maintain

  • Lighter and cheaper: Electrical connector weighs ounces vs. 20-50 lb PTO assembly

  • Better integration: Direct communication between robot and attachment (CAN bus)

Power available:

  • 2.4 kW continuous (sufficient for all our attachments)

  • 3.8 kW peak (for startup or heavy loads)

What this means:

  • Our attachments plug in electrically (like power tools)

  • Robot supplies 48V power + control signals

  • Attachment has its own motors (optimized for the task)

Could we add mechanical PTO?

  • Yes, as a $1,500-2,000 option (if customers demand it)

  • But we don't recommend it—electric is better for small-scale equipment

  • All our attachments are designed electric-first

Q15: What attachments are available now? What's coming?

A:

Available at launch:

  1. Compost Spreader

    • Self-loading tilting hopper (~0.8-1.0 cu yd capacity)

    • Variable depth (1", 2", 3")

    • Handles: Compost, mulch, wood chips, amendments

    • Price: $5,000-7,000

  2. Precision Transplanter

    • Automated dibbling and plug placement

    • Adjustable spacing (6"-24")

    • Holds 2-4 standard nursery trays (~144-288 plants)

    • Optional watering system

    • Price: $5,000-7,000

In development (Year 2): 3. Precision Seeder

  • Direct-sow crops with precise spacing

  • Vacuum metering (accurate single-seed placement)

  • Multiple row configurations

  • Price: TBD (~$4,000-6,000)

  1. Shallow Cultivator

    • Weed control between beds

    • Adjustable depth and aggressiveness

    • Rotary tines or finger weeders

    • Price: TBD (~$5,000-7,000)

Future possibilities (Year 3+):

  • Harvest cart (powered trailer follows farmer)

  • Bed shaper (reform beds after tillage)

  • Spray system (organic foliar feeds, pest control)

  • Flame weeder (propane-powered weed control)

Third-party attachments:

  • We're developing an Attachment Development Kit (ADK)

  • Other companies or makers can create compatible attachments

  • Certified attachments listed in our marketplace

Q16: Can I build my own attachment?

A: Yes! We encourage it.

We provide:

  • Attachment Development Kit (ADK) - Free download

    • Mechanical templates (CAD files, drawings)

    • Electrical specifications (power, connector, protocol)

    • Software templates (example ROS 2 code)

    • Documentation (50+ page developer guide)

What you need:

  • Basic fabrication skills (welding, metalwork) or access to machine shop

  • Electronics knowledge (wiring, motor controllers) or willing to learn

  • Software skills (Python or C++) for control logic—or use our templates

  • Testing (ensure safety, don't overload power system)

Support:

  • Developer forum (ask questions, share designs)

  • Technical support (for licensed developers)

  • Certification program (optional—we'll test and certify your design)

Examples of maker attachments:

  • Bed roller (firms soil before planting)

  • Root crop digger (lifts carrots, potatoes)

  • Irrigation tape layer (lays drip tape automatically)

Open source philosophy:

  • We publish reference designs (compost spreader, transplanter)

  • You can modify or build on these

  • Share your designs back to community (optional, but appreciated)

Operation & Maintenance Questions

Q17: How much maintenance does it need?

A:

Daily (during heavy use):

  • Quick visual inspection (5 minutes)

  • Check tire pressure

  • Wipe camera lens and sensors (if dusty/muddy)

  • Check battery charge level

Weekly:

  • Clean debris from wheels and frame (15 minutes)

  • Check for loose bolts or damaged wiring

  • Inspect attachment mounting (ensure pins locked)

Monthly:

  • Lubricate moving parts (wheel bearings, attachment pivots) (30 minutes)

  • Check motor mounting bolts

  • Clean electrical connectors (compressed air or contact cleaner)

  • Inspect tires for wear

Annually:

  • Full inspection (by user or technician) (2-3 hours)

  • Replace worn components (tires, brushes if using brushed motors)

  • Update software (OTA updates throughout year, but comprehensive check annually)

  • Calibrate sensors (GPS, IMU) if needed

  • Pressure-wash frame (but avoid directly spraying electronics)

Battery:

  • Cycle life: 1,500-2,000 cycles (5-7 years for most farms)

  • No daily maintenance (BMS handles everything)

  • Replace when capacity drops below 80% (~$1,500-2,500)

Estimated annual maintenance cost: $500-1,000 (parts + labor if outsourced)

Q18: What happens in winter / off-season?

A:

Winter storage:

  1. Clean thoroughly (pressure wash, dry completely)

  2. Charge battery to 50-60% (optimal storage level)

  3. Store indoors (barn, shed—doesn't need climate control)

  4. Disconnect battery (prevents slow drain)

  5. Cover with tarp (dust protection)

  6. Elevate slightly (blocks under frame to take weight off tires)

Check monthly during storage:

  • Battery voltage (recharge if drops below 40%)

  • Tire pressure (may need to re-inflate)

  • Look for rodent damage (wires, hoses)

Spring startup:

  1. Reconnect battery

  2. Charge to 100%

  3. Inspect all systems (wiring, tires, sensors)

  4. Run through all modes (manual, follow-me, attachments)

  5. Software updates (if any released during winter)

  6. Recalibrate GPS/sensors if needed (app guided)

Off-season work:

  • Great time for upgrades (new attachments, software features)

  • Training new crew members (simulated mode available)

  • Preventive maintenance (replace worn parts before spring rush)

Q19: Is it hard to learn how to use?

A: No—most users are productive within 1-2 hours.

Learning curve:

  • Manual mode: 10-15 minutes (like driving an RC car)

  • Follow-me mode: 5-10 minutes (very intuitive)

  • Autonomous mode: 30-60 minutes (set up beds, run first tasks)

  • Attachment swap: 15-30 minutes (practice a few times)

Training included:

  • Video tutorials (20+ short videos, 5-10 minutes each)

  • Interactive app guide (step-by-step walkthroughs)

  • Remote session (30-60 minutes with support tech via video call)

  • On-site visit (optional, 2-4 hours, included with purchase or available for fee)

User manual:

  • Comprehensive PDF (100+ pages)

  • Searchable, illustrated

  • Covers: Setup, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting

Support:

  • Phone/email support (included year 1)

  • Video call support (screen share for troubleshooting)

  • Community forum (ask questions, see solutions)

Typical timeline:

  • Day 1: Manual driving, basic attachment operation

  • Week 1: Confident with all modes, first productive tasks

  • Month 1: Fully proficient, training crew members

Q20: What if I have terrible internet/cell service on my farm?

A: No problem—robot works fully offline.

What requires internet:

  • RTK GPS corrections (for 1-2 cm accuracy)

    • Workaround: Use local base station (no internet needed) or accept standard GPS (~1-3m accuracy)

  • Software updates (OTA)

    • Workaround: Download updates on home Wi-Fi, bring robot near Wi-Fi for install

  • Cloud data sync (optional, for remote monitoring)

    • Workaround: Data stays local, syncs when you bring robot near Wi-Fi

What works offline:

  • All manual control modes

  • Follow-me mode (uses Bluetooth/UWB, not internet)

  • Autonomous bed passes (uses local map)

  • All attachment functions

  • Status monitoring via app (over local Wi-Fi/Bluetooth)

Typical setup for off-grid farms:

  1. Robot creates its own Wi-Fi hotspot

  2. Your phone connects to robot (direct, no internet needed)

  3. All features work except RTK GPS corrections and cloud sync

  4. Periodically bring robot near Wi-Fi (home, shop) for updates

Bottom line: Designed for farms with poor connectivity. Internet is nice but not required.

Business & Support Questions

Q21: What's the warranty?

A:

Standard warranty (included):

  • 1 year from delivery date

  • Covers: Manufacturing defects, component failures (not misuse or accident)

  • Includes: Parts and labor for repairs

  • Response time: 2-5 business days for remote support, 5-10 days for parts

Extended warranty (optional):

  • Years 2-3: $1,000/year

  • Years 4-5: $1,500/year

  • Same coverage as standard warranty

What's NOT covered:

  • Normal wear and tear (tires, brushes, etc.)

  • Accidental damage (crash, tip-over, submersion)

  • Misuse or modification (using outside rated conditions, unauthorized repairs)

  • Consumables (fuses, filters, cleaning supplies)

Battery specific:

  • Covered for manufacturing defects (1 year)

  • NOT covered for capacity degradation (expected to decline over time)

  • Typical lifespan: 1,500-2,000 cycles (5-7 years for most farms)

Q22: Can I lease instead of buy?

A: Yes—leasing is a great option for many farms.

Lease terms:

  • Monthly payment: Approximately $400-600/month ($5,000-7,000/year)

  • Minimum term: 3 years

  • Includes: Base robot + both attachments + maintenance + support + software updates

  • Upgrade path: Trade up to newer model after 2-3 years (similar to car lease)

Benefits of leasing:

  • Lower upfront cost: No $30K+ purchase

  • Maintenance included: No surprise repair bills

  • Always current: Automatic upgrades to new hardware/software

  • Tax advantages: Lease payments may be fully deductible as operating expense (consult accountant)

  • Flexibility: Return at end of lease or buy out

Lease-to-own:

  • After 3-year lease ($18K-21K total paid), option to purchase for ~$8K-12K

  • Total cost similar to outright purchase, but spread over time

Who should lease:

  • Farms wanting to try before committing

  • Farms with tight cash flow (preserve capital)

  • Farms that want newest tech (upgrade every 3 years)

  • Risk-averse operators (maintenance covered)

Q23: Do you offer financing?

A: Yes, through partner lenders.

Financing options:

  • Farm equipment loans (traditional, through banks)

    • 5-7 year terms

    • ~5-8% interest (depends on credit)

    • Requires farm business documentation

  • Equipment financing (through specialized lenders)

    • 3-5 year terms

    • ~7-10% interest

    • Easier approval than bank loans

  • USDA grants (not loans—free money!)

    • EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program): Can cover 50-75% of cost

    • Apply through local NRCS office

    • Competitive (not guaranteed), but many small farms qualify

    • Application help: We provide templates and guidance

Payment plans (direct):

  • We offer 12-36 month payment plans (no interest)

  • 20-30% down payment

  • Remaining balance split into equal monthly payments

  • Must meet credit requirements

Q24: What kind of support do you provide?

A:

Included with purchase (Year 1):

  • Remote support (phone, email, video call): Unlimited

  • Software updates: Automatic, over-the-air (OTA)

  • Training materials: Videos, manuals, interactive guides

  • Initial setup: Remote + one on-site visit (4 hours)

  • Response time: 24-48 hours for non-urgent, 2-4 hours for critical issues

Premium support plans (optional, after Year 1):

  • Basic Plan ($800/year):

    • Remote support (unlimited)

    • Software updates

    • Online training resources

    • Response time: 48 hours

  • Premium Plan ($1,500/year):

    • Everything in Basic, plus:

    • Annual on-site inspection (4 hours)

    • Priority response (4-12 hours)

    • Loaner unit if major repair needed (subject to availability)

    • Advanced training (webinars, new feature workshops)

Community support:

  • User forum: Ask questions, share tips, see troubleshooting solutions

  • Facebook group / Discord: Peer support, community sharing

  • Annual user conference: Learn best practices, network with other farmers (optional, fee-based)

Q25: Can I see it in action before buying?

A: Yes! We strongly encourage this.

Options:

1. Demo Day (Free)

  • We host regional demo days (watch for announcements)

  • See robot in action, ask questions, try manual mode

  • No obligation

2. Farm Visit (Free—if near pilot farm)

  • Visit an existing customer's farm

  • See robot in real working conditions

  • Talk to actual users

3. Trial Program ($500 deposit, refundable)

  • Rent robot for 1 week on your farm

  • Try all modes and attachments

  • $500 deposit refunded if you don't purchase (or applied to purchase if you do)

  • You pay return shipping (~$200-400)

  • Availability limited (seasonal waiting list)

4. Purchase with 30-day return policy

  • Buy robot, use it for up to 30 days

  • If not satisfied, return for full refund (minus shipping and restocking fee ~10%)

  • Must be in good condition (normal wear okay, no damage)

We want you to be confident—seeing is believing!

Comparison Questions

Q26: Why not just hire more labor?

A: Labor is increasingly expensive, hard to find, and physically demanding.

Labor challenges:

  • Availability: Many areas have farm labor shortages

  • Cost: $15-25+/hour (rising every year)

  • Reliability: Seasonal workers, turnover, varying skill levels

  • Physical toll: Back-breaking work leads to injury, burnout

  • Scaling: Hard to find 5 good workers when you need them

Robot advantages:

  • Always available: Works when you need it (no sick days, no turnover)

  • Consistent quality: Same performance every time (no learning curve, no fatigue)

  • Your time: Frees you to focus on higher-value tasks (sales, planning, customer relationships)

  • Career longevity: Reduces physical toll on your body (farm longer, stay healthy)

When labor makes more sense:

  • Very complex tasks (selective harvesting)

  • Tasks requiring judgment (pruning, scouting)

  • Peak season overflow (robot + humans = good combo)

Our view: Robot complements labor, doesn't replace it entirely. Use robot for repetitive, heavy tasks. Use humans for skilled, judgment-based tasks.

Q27: Why not just use a BCS/walking tractor?

A: Walking tractors are great for some tasks, but limited for bed farming.

Walking tractor limitations:

  • Requires operator: You're still walking behind it (physical effort)

  • Compaction: Drives on beds (not between), compacts soil

  • Precision: Manual control (inconsistent depth, spacing)

  • Multi-tasking: While running tractor, you can't do other farm work

  • Attachments: Limited selection for permanent bed systems

Our robot advantages:

  • Autonomous: Set it and work on other tasks

  • No compaction: Straddles beds, runs in paths

  • Precision: Software-controlled (repeatable, consistent)

  • Integrated system: Attachments designed specifically for permanent beds

BCS cost comparison:

  • BCS tractor: $3,000-5,000

  • Implements: $500-2,000 each

  • Total: $5,000-10,000 (but still requires operator time)

  • Our robot: $22K-35K (but works autonomously)

When BCS is better:

  • Budget-constrained (<$10K)

  • Very small scale (<1 acre)

  • Like to work machines yourself (enjoy it)

  • Need tillage/bed formation (we don't do that... yet)

Q28: What about FarmBot or other hobby robots?

A: FarmBot is great for education/hobby, but not commercial-scale.

FarmBot vs. Our Platform:

Feature FarmBot Our Platform Scale 6×12 ft fixed gantry 100+ ft beds, mobile Coverage 72 sq ft (~0.002 acres) Entire farm (2-10 acres) Tasks Planting, watering, weeding Compost, transplanting, seeding Weather resistance Fair (exposed electronics) Good (IP65, field-ready) Durability Hobby-grade Commercial-grade Price $3,000-5,000 $22,000-35,000 Target user Hobbyists, educators Professional farmers

FarmBot is excellent for:

  • Learning robotics/automation

  • School/university projects

  • Backyard gardens

  • Proof of concept

Our platform is for:

  • Making money farming (commercial production)

  • Multiple beds across acres

  • Heavy-duty tasks (moving hundreds of pounds of compost)

  • Year-round professional use

Different tools for different jobs.

Q29: Why buy this instead of building my own?

A: You could build your own—but here's what you're taking on:

DIY challenges:

  • Engineering time: 200-500+ hours design/build/test

  • Expertise needed: Mechanical, electrical, software, robotics

  • Component sourcing: Motors, batteries, sensors, controllers ($5K-10K in parts)

  • Iteration: First version probably won't work perfectly (need 2-3 iterations)

  • Safety: Liability if something goes wrong

  • Support: You're on your own for troubleshooting

  • Opportunity cost: Time spent building = time NOT farming

What you get buying from us:

  • Proven design: We've done the iterations, testing, refinement

  • Professional engineering: Experienced robotics and agricultural engineers

  • Safety certified: Meets standards, insured

  • Support: Training, troubleshooting, repairs, updates

  • Warranty: We stand behind it

  • Ecosystem: Attachments, software updates, community

TCO (Total Cost of Ownership):

  • DIY: $8K-15K parts + 300+ hours labor = ~$20K-30K (if your time is worth anything)

  • Our platform: $22K-35K with support/warranty

Who should DIY:

  • Enjoy building (it's the fun part)

  • Have time (not busy season)

  • Want to learn (educational value)

  • Very specific custom needs

Who should buy:

  • Want to farm, not build robots

  • Value reliability and support

  • Need it soon (we ship in weeks, not months)

  • Want upgrades and ecosystem

Q30: How is this different from large autonomous tractors (John Deere, etc.)?

A:

Scale and cost:

  • Large autonomous tractors: $250K-500K+ for 100-1,000+ acre farms

  • Our platform: $22K-35K for 2-10 acre farms

Design philosophy:

  • Large tractors: Row crops (corn, soy, cotton) with wide spacing (30"+)

  • Our platform: Permanent raised beds (30-48" wide) for intensive vegetable production

Technology approach:

  • Large tractors: High-end GPS (RTK + multiple corrections), expensive sensors, complex software

  • Our platform: Appropriate tech (good GPS, simple sensors, practical autonomy)

Operational differences:

  • Large tractors: Autonomous only (no manual mode typically)

  • Our platform: Manual + Follow-me + Autonomous (flexibility)

Soil health:

  • Large tractors: Still very heavy (compaction risk even with autonomy)

  • Our platform: Light, straddles beds (minimal compaction)

Market positioning:

  • Large tractors: Commodity production, efficiency at scale

  • Our platform: Specialty crops, quality over quantity, sustainable practices

We're not competing with John Deere—we're serving a different market that large manufacturers ignore.

Final Thoughts

Q31: What if I have a question not answered here?

A:

Contact us:

  • Email: support@[company].com

  • Phone: 1-800-XXX-XXXX (Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm)

  • Live chat: On our website (9am-5pm)

Resources:

  • Website: Full technical specs, videos, case studies

  • Forum: Community Q&A, troubleshooting

  • Documentation: Downloadable PDFs (user manual, tech specs, FAQs)

Schedule a call:

  • 30-minute consultation (free)

  • Talk to an engineer or farmer success specialist

  • Get personalized answers for your specific farm

We're here to help!

Q32: Is this really ready for commercial use, or is it still experimental?

A: We're committed to delivering a production-ready product, not a prototype.

Development status:

  • Base platform: Detailed engineering complete (you're reading it!)

  • Attachments: Design complete, prototypes in testing

  • Software: Core functionality implemented, being refined

  • Field testing: Ongoing with pilot farms (real-world validation)

Launch timeline:

  • Pilot units (10-20): Year 1 (to early adopters for real-world testing)

  • Production (50-100): Year 2 (after pilot feedback incorporated)

  • Scale (200+/year): Year 3 (proven, refined, manufacturing optimized)

This is a real product, not vaporware:

  • Realistic specs (not overpromising)

  • Proven components (not experimental tech)

  • Conservative timelines (not rushing to market)

  • Farmer input (designed WITH farmers, not FOR them)

We're building this for the long term—your success is our success.

End of FAQ