Autonomous Tractor Doubles as Farming and Military Tech
▼ Summary
– Voltrac has unveiled an autonomous electric tractor designed for both agricultural use and military resupply missions, capable of navigating tough terrain without risking human lives.
– The tractor has a 4,000kg carrying capacity, 40km/h top speed, and 20-hour range with swappable 200kW batteries, and can be retrofitted for various tasks like transporting supplies or detecting mines.
– For military use, the tractor can be equipped with anti-jamming tech and interceptor drones, and is in preliminary talks with NATO departments for deployment.
– Currently remote-controlled, Voltrac plans to make the tractor fully autonomous after regulatory approval, with a system that learns and optimizes agricultural treatments over time.
– Founded a year ago, Voltrac secured $2mn in pre-seed funding, aims for a seed round in September, and plans to deliver its first vehicles by early 2026, building tractors with 70% fewer parts than traditional models.
A Spanish startup has unveiled an autonomous tractor designed to revolutionize both agriculture and military logistics, showcasing how dual-purpose technology could transform two very different industries. Voltrac’s electric vehicle weighs 3.5 tonnes and operates seamlessly in farming and combat zones, demonstrating remarkable versatility in challenging environments.
The tractor’s 4,000kg payload capacity and 20-hour operational range make it ideal for hauling heavy loads across fields or delivering critical supplies to soldiers under fire. Its modular design allows quick adaptation—farmers can attach standard implements like plows, while military units can equip it with flatbeds for transporting ammunition or medical supplies. Swappable 200kW batteries ensure continuous operation, though their size requires forklift handling.
Francisco Infante Aguirre, Voltrac’s cofounder and CTO, emphasizes the machine’s potential to save lives. “Frontline resupply missions often come with high human costs,” he explains. “Our tractor handles tough terrain without risking personnel, whether it’s moving crops or ammunition.” The company is already in early discussions with NATO, exploring enhancements like anti-jamming systems and mine-detection capabilities.
Currently remote-controlled, the tractor will eventually operate autonomously once regulatory approvals are secured. Voltrac’s vision includes AI-driven precision farming, where the machine analyzes crop responses in real time, adjusting water, fertilizer, and pesticide use to optimize yields and reduce waste. “This isn’t just automation, it’s a learning system that improves with every task,” says CEO Thomas Hubregtsen, whose background includes AI development at BMW and Google X.
The founders bring complementary expertise: Hubregtsen’s tech experience pairs with Aguirre’s aerospace engineering background and family ties to Spain’s agricultural sector. Their startup, backed by $2 million in pre-seed funding, plans an in-house development approach, using off-the-shelf components to streamline production. With 70% fewer parts than conventional tractors, Voltrac’s design prioritizes efficiency and scalability.
First deliveries are slated for early 2026, with a seed funding round expected later this year. As dual-use technology gains traction, Voltrac’s innovation could set a new standard for smart machinery in both civilian and defense applications.
(Source: The Next Web)
