Spanish startup Voltrac has recently launched a versatile autonomous tractor designed for both civilian and military use. This electric tractor has the ability to switch between agricultural and defense applications, making it perfect for transporting heavy loads on a farm during peacetime, as well as delivering essential supplies to the frontlines in harsh conditions during wartime. It’s undoubtedly an innovative tech product.
This tractor weighs in at 3.5 tons, boasting a payload capacity of 4,000 kilograms and a top speed of 40 kilometers per hour. It comes equipped with multiple large 200kW batteries, providing a remarkable runtime of up to 20 hours. While the batteries are swappable, a forklift is required for transportation. Additionally, the tractor is fitted with a standard trailer hitch, allowing farmers to connect various attachments such as tillers, mowers, or cutters. It can even be modified into a massive flatbed for shipping containers, offering versatile applications for both fields and frontline supply.
In terms of design, the Voltrac tractor features a cab-less form, currently operating via remote control, reminiscent of first-person view drone technology. Voltrac’s plan is to enable an operator to remotely control multiple tractors, aiming for full automation once relevant regulatory approvals are secured. Co-founder Francisco Infante Aguirre highlighted that the machine is not only capable of tackling tough terrains but also reduces the risk to human life, especially during frontline supplies in conflict areas like Ukraine.
For military purposes, the Voltrac tractor has been upgraded with counter-interference technology and drone interception systems to enhance its defensive capabilities. Additionally, these machines can also be utilized for mine clearance and detecting landmines. In terms of agricultural applications, the Voltrac system conducts real-time experiments in the field, continually adjusting farming processes to ensure that plants receive the right amounts of water, fertilizers, and pesticides.
In addition, co-founder and CEO Thomas Hubregtsen expressed a vision that goes beyond just creating smarter tractors; he aims to build a system that learns as it operates. Hubregtsen’s extensive experience in AI system development presents greater innovation opportunities for Voltrac. The company aims to fully develop its tractor and underlying hardware and software stack in-house, with its electric drive system and driverless design reducing the number of parts by about 70% compared to traditional tractors. The company is expected to launch its seed funding round soon, with the first vehicles slated for delivery in early 2026.
