CLIENT
Agri Automation
INDUSTRY
Horticulture & Viticulture
PRODUCT
UVEX™
UVEX™
DETAILED DESIGN
Across FY24 and FY25, the Ministry for Primary Industries reported a 19% increase in working expenses throughout the wine industry, with notable rises in labour and agricultural chemical costs.
These issues not only threaten the economic sustainability of horticulture and viticulture but also have broader implications on the livelihoods – at a household and regional level – of those dependent on these sectors.
Vertex UV were approached to design engineer a response, to tackle the pressing problems affecting crop quality, yield, and labour costs.
From this the UVEX™ was developed.
reduction in working costs
dosing speed
per dose [minimum]
TESTING
OUTCOME
The UVEX™ addresses a real-world problem with a new approach that is built to operate at a commercial scale.
Through harnessing the power of UV-C light, the unit combines a customisable application of UV-C light intensity to combat plant pathogens – such as powdery mildew, downy mildew, and other fungal diseases, stimulating overall plant health – on board a battery-powered autonomous vehicle.
UV-C treatment can be made day or night, in the wind or rain, no drift, no residues, no withholding period, no diesel, no spray chemicals and no operator.
This combination makes it a game-changer for the agricultural/horticulture industries.
In a snapshot, the UVEX™ can address the following issues for growers:
- Powdery Mildew and Botrytis - fungal diseases affecting plants and crops globally.
- Pathogens, bacteria, and viruses.
- Mealy bugs and other pests.
- Chemical usage and residue.
- Treatment stand-down period (if using spray) before harvest.
- The effect of bad weather preventing treatment (if using spray).
- Unsustainable water practices, amplified through chemical usage.
