Meet the Voltrac, a 3.5-ton autonomous tractor that’s changing the game for farmers and the military. This electric beast can haul up to 4,000 kg of cargo, monitor crop health with cameras, and optimize water and fertilizer use.
In the fields, it’s a farmer’s dream. But in war zones, it’s a lifesaver. The Voltrac can navigate tough terrain to deliver supplies, reducing the risk of human casualties. As Francisco Infante Aguirre, co-founder and CTO of Voltrac, puts it: “In Ukraine, many lives are lost in logistical missions, not in direct combat. Our vehicle can do that transport without putting human lives at risk.”
The Voltrac has a top speed of 40 km/h and can run for 20 hours on a single charge. It’s powered by modular 200 kW batteries that can be swapped out using a forklift.
This versatile vehicle can be equipped with standard agricultural trailers or flat platforms for military transport. For military use, it can be adapted with anti-jamming tech and interceptor drones, and even detect and remove landmines.
For now, the Voltrac is controlled remotely, but the plan is to make it fully autonomous soon. One operator will be able to control multiple tractors at once.
The brain behind Voltrac is Thomas Hubregtsen, a former Google X and BMW engineer, and Aguirre, an aerospace engineer with roots in agricultural machinery. Together, they launched Voltrac just over a year ago and have already raised $2 million in initial investment.
The production process uses standard components, reducing the number of parts by 70% compared to traditional tractors. The electric motor and lack of a cabin make it a more efficient machine.
Voltrac is gearing up for a new round of funding in September and plans to deliver its first units in 2026. This solution is a game-changer for agritech and autonomous defense, making it relevant for regions with labor shortages and war zones where logistics are a high risk.
The Voltrac is a prime example of how technology can be used to save lives and increase efficiency. As the world becomes increasingly automated, it’s exciting to think about what other innovations will emerge to change the game.
With its unique combination of agricultural and military capabilities, the Voltrac is poised to make a significant impact in the years to come. Whether it’s helping farmers increase crop yields or reducing the risk of casualties in war zones, this autonomous tractor is definitely one to watch.
The future of agriculture and defense just got a whole lot more interesting.