FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS

Imagine spending more time out of the cab, knowing that tasks are still being accomplished with absolute precision.

Dot is powered by an efficient 163 HP Cummins diesel engine, which drives four hydrostatic pumps (one for each wheel) and an auxiliary pump for implement operation. The power from each hydrostatic pump is transferred to its designated wheel via hydraulic hose. Each wheel has a hydraulic motor running a planetary gear box that can power the unit smoothly at any speed, from creeping to 12 MPH.

In fields, Dot operates within prescribed, farmer-approved routes that are generated through the simple creation of highly accurate boundaries. Positional information from an RTK GPS receiver mounted on Dot ensures it is always operating within the approved area. If Dot drifts from its path, it will halt movement and send a message to the operator.

1. Dot can be manually controlled through handheld remote. The remote is used to load and unload implements (although this may eventually be done automatically). This remote manual control is also ideal for moving or operating equipment that is not programed to operate autonomously, such as material handling or other close quarters operations.
2. Full autonomous mode is used once the unit is in a field for which a path plan has been downloaded to the on-frame computer. In autonomous mode, the unit simply follows the pre-approved path for the specific field. The operator can view progress, take over controls, or stop the unit through long-range Wi-Fi via a designated tablet. On-board cameras assist the farmer in making decisions or remotely viewing performance.

Dot loads any implement that is designed as Dot Ready and powers it for work functions that are executed either remotely or autonomously.

Every job that can be completed with a tractor will one day be completed with Dot.

The limited release will be serviced and supported directly by Dot Technology’s mobile and remote support service team.

As shown, Dot is black with stainless steel accents.

All owners and operators will be required to attend hands-on and classroom training prior to operating Dot in the field. Dates and locations will be communicated when you receive confirmation of delivery date.

As the product evolves, other configurations will be considered that better fit those areas of the world with smaller landholdings and transport dimension requirements.

Seeding and harvesting are the most important farm activities. We have selected the size and horsepower for one Dot power unit to efficiently seed the same land area that is typically harvested by one large combine in western Canada (2,000 to 3,500 acres). Larger farms would simply use multiple Dots to match their acreage accordingly. Each Dot unit can be conveniently outfitted with a grain cart at harvest time to efficiently and autonomously transport grain from one combine to the truck. Spraying is another important farm activity. One Dot with a sprayer implement mounted can easily spray twice the large combine harvest area. With Dot, all implements become cheaper to operate, but the cost-efficiency of a sprayer unit is simply astounding compared to a self-propelled sprayer. Plus, it doesn’t require an operator, and that means more time for family, more time to keep the farm organized and less time in the cab.

Dot can travel up to 12 mph (19.3 km/h).

Yes. Dot contains many features that overlap to create security redundancy in all areas.

Dot analyzes slippage and mud sinking measurements every second and will trigger a stop if results are beyond preselected limits. If stuck, there are designated tow hook locations that result in a much stronger structure than any traditional air seeder frame. When any implement is attached to Dot, the overall frame becomes very strong for excellent structural rigidity. With time, other sensors will be introduced to avoid these sticky situations, but getting stuck should be a less common occurrence than with human control, as emotions are removed (I think I can, I think I can). To prevent stresses and add traction in varying terrain, Dot has a large walking beam connecting two of the wheels that helps equalize ground forces.

The long-term plan is to prove to road authorities that Dot, while being operated autonomously, will be safer than operator-in-tractor pulling large farm implements. Farmers will create precise road path plans in each direction, as well as map a safe pull-over zone. When a vehicle is detected approaching from any direction, Dot would simply come to a stop in the safe pull-over zone until the vehicle has passed. Until this becomes a reality, the operator can use manual controls where it is safe, or transport on a trailer. We also plan to develop a “Follow Me” feature, through which a farmer can lead a train of electronically interconnected Dot units from his truck.

To create traction for a tractor to pull an implement, the tractor must be very heavy or add ballast, an inherent waste of horsepower and a very inefficient method of power transfer. A significant amount of energy is being used simply to move the tractor. By integrating the implement weight on top of the power unit, Dot ensures a compact unit with very efficient power transfer.

Dot is currently being built under contract by our sister company, SeedMaster Manufacturing, near Regina, Saskatchewan.

SeedMaster Implement Disclosure List