Dutch company to launch kit that turns a standard tractor into a robot

Dutch company Nivavi is set to unveil an autonomous tractor retrofit system called Bart, developed by engineer Niels van Wilsteren. The kit enables a standard tractor to be converted into a robotic machine, offering both manual and fully autonomous operation with complete control of attached implements.

According to Future Farming, the system—previously tested under the name RoboDrive—can fully replace the driver after receiving field instructions. Once the task is completed, Bart sends a notification via a tablet interface, allowing the operator to retrieve the machine. Positioning relies on proprietary RTK GPS antennas, while safety is ensured through a LiDAR sensor. With Bart expected to hit the market early next year, two providers of such systems will operate in the Netherlands, alongside GPX Solutions and its iQuus platform.

A tractor equipped with the Bart kit will be showcased at Akkerbouwdag 2026, taking place on May 28 in Lelystad.

Tags: machinery, agriculture robots