The demand for electrified drive systems for autonomous machines is steadily increasing, especially in agriculture, where efficiency, precision, and environmental awareness are increasingly in focus.
The demand for electrified drive systems for autonomous machines is steadily increasing, especially in agriculture, where efficiency, precision, and environmental awareness are increasingly in focus.
A prime example of this development is the successful partnership between I&W Engineering, a leading electric drive manufacturer from Switzerland, and the French robotics company Vitibot. At the core of the collaboration are robust, compact electric motors with gearboxes designed for use under extreme conditions.
From first prototype to series production
The cooperation between I&W Engineering and Vitibot began in October 2017 with an initial technical inquiry regarding electric traction drives for an innovative robotics project in viticulture. By February 2018, the first five motors were delivered, followed by another five in April. The next logical step was the joint development of a tooling motor, which began in July of the same year.
In November 2018, the first series order was placed for the M3 model — a compact, high-performance electric drive with an integrated gearbox and safety brake. Today, I&W Engineering supplies up to 1,000 drive systems per year to Vitibot for autonomous agricultural robots used in vineyards across Europe.
Compact power units for viticulture
The demands on drive technology in robotics are high, particularly in agriculture. The machines must be compact, able to maneuver flexibly through narrow rows, while still delivering high torque. At the same time, dust, moisture, and mechanical stress from rough terrain require an especially resilient design.
The M3 drive from I&W, used by Vitibot, was developed precisely for these conditions. Its technical features speak for themselves:
High protection class IP65 or higher for harsh environments
Robust planetary gearbox for high torque
Compact design, ideal for narrow vineyard rows
Integrated safety brake for maximum control
These geared electric motors are therefore ideal for use in mobile robots, off-highway vehicles, and autonomous agricultural machines — wherever conventional drives reach their limits.
“The M3 was a turning point for us: compact, powerful, and reliable. Exactly what we needed for use in viticulture.” – Vitibot R&D Management
Specialization for special tasks – our RD200
In addition to the main traction drive, Vitibot also relies on modular tooling motors that perform various functions in the vineyard. For these specific requirements, I&W Engineering developed the RD200 — a particularly lightweight yet robust rotary drive with tailor-made characteristics. The RD200 impresses with its compact diameter, high torque, and extremely low inertia, enabling rapid switching cycles. Its light weight makes it ideal for use in interchangeable tools, while its high protection class and robust bearings ensure a shock-resistant, durable design.
The RD200 is predestined for swappable tool modules, such as soil cultivation, sensor integration, or precision spraying applications. In combination with the M3, it forms a well-conceived, fully electrified robotics system that meets the demanding requirements of modern agricultural technology — efficient, low-maintenance, and future-proof.
Solutions for OEMs and system integrators
I&W Engineering does not deliver off-the-shelf products but develops modular drive units tailored precisely to the requirements of each application. Whether geared motors for robotics, rotary drives for off-highway vehicles, or compact electric motors with integrated gearboxes — every solution is based on solid engineering and close customer collaboration.
Typical drive systems from I&W cover power ranges from 5 to 150 kilowatts and are designed for different voltages such as 12, 24, 48, or 80 volts. They are available in various configurations — for example, as electric motors with integrated gearboxes, compact traction drives, or electric PTO motors. Depending on requirements, the systems can be equipped with integrated control, thermal management, or customized interfaces.
This diversity and adaptability make I&W Engineering a sought-after partner for OEMs, startups, and development teams looking for reliable electric motor solutions — from the first idea to series production.
More than technology – a partnership at eye level
The success of the cooperation with Vitibot demonstrates how essential close collaboration between engineering teams and application developers is. I&W Engineering supports its customers not only technically but also strategically, from the first test series to long-term production support.
The focus is always on scalability, quality, and service. Thanks to flexible production processes, transparent communication, and a profound understanding of the requirements for electric drives in mobile machinery, I&W consistently succeeds in bringing innovative solutions to market maturity.
Electric motors that move – in vineyards and beyond
The partnership with Vitibot is more than just a project; it is an example of successful co-development in the field of electric drive systems. With its geared motors for robotics, traction drives for autonomous vehicles, and rotary drives for modular tools, I&W Engineering demonstrates how modern electric motor solutions are shaping the mobility of the future — quiet, efficient, and low-maintenance.
Anyone looking today for a powerful electric motor for off-highway vehicles or robotics systems will find at I&W Engineering not just a product, but a carefully designed system — developed with passion, engineering depth, and the ambition to turn every challenge into motion.