Kray Protection UAS
Drone crop sprayer that delivers on-demand fertilizers and pesticides
DescriptionOverview of the initiative and its approach.
Kray Protection UAS is a crop-spraying drone that delivers fertilizers and pesticides to farmers’ fields. The prototype was presented at the Drone World Expo 2016 in San Jose, California, and by 2019 most of the testing had been completed. The company has since been preparing for mass production and rapid expansion on the market.
TechnologyTechnology used by the initiative.
Kray Protection UAV is a precisely controlled (less than 10 cm error) high-speed (30 m/s) VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) multirotor drone. The drone has a 4-meter wingspan and can carry up to 80 percent of its weight . Kray UAV uses its own hybrid computer vision system to carry out precise terrain relief reconstruction 300 feet ahead. The drone's custom control software stack allows 4-inch precision in position control throughout the whole flight, with a speed range of 0–30 m/s. The drone is equipped for electrostatic crop spraying, and boasts up to 60 ha/hour (or up to 600 ha/day) operational productivity (30 m/s speed, with a 5-meter application width). Most of the testing had been completed by the company in 2019, and the company has since been developing the IoT infrastructure and VR-based operator courses.
TargetUsers, groups, or communities targeted by the initiative.
The drone can support the agricultural operations of farmers, as well as other relevant actors (e.g. pesticide developers, research institutions) in the testing of their technologies and products.
Business modelHow the initiative delivers and sustains its value.
The website claims that the technology is offered to farmers as a readily available spraying service for an approximate price per hectare of USD 2, although the drones are also available for purchase.
ImpactThe observed or intended effects of the initiative.
The technology enables regular applications of crop protection and fertilizers, increasing the effectiveness of their usage and resulting in better yields. The drone promises less fuel, less maintenance and less staff requirements, along with outstanding performance. The costs of the application to 1/10th and less. The technology also supports no-till production, thereby contributing to land conservation and climate change mitigation.
Four BettersThe FAO Four Betters supported by the initiative.
Better production
Better environment
