HarvestEye Pro

One Drone, Two Roles

The HarvestEye Pro uses a modular payload architecture. In mapping configuration — spray tank removed, multispectral sensor active — it functions as a precision agricultural mapping platform with 35-minute endurance and 4-band spectral imaging. In spray configuration — mapping sensor in passive mode, spray tank fitted — it operates as a precision spraying drone with the RTK accuracy needed for boundary-accurate application.

Switching between configurations takes approximately 8 minutes in the field. The quick-release tank coupling, weather-sealed sensor bay, and tool-free motor arm locks make the swap manageable for a single operator. This modularity is the core value proposition of the HarvestEye Pro: instead of purchasing and operating two separate platforms, one drone handles both functions.

AI Prescription Maps Generated In-Flight

The integration of an Nvidia Jetson Nano compute module onboard — a first in this price class — enables the HarvestEye Pro to process multispectral imagery and generate a prescription map during or immediately after the mapping pass. As images are captured, they are stitched and analysed in real time. By the time the mapping pass is complete, the prescription map is available on the companion tablet without requiring a separate desktop processing step.

The AI prescription algorithm classifies each 5-metre zone of the field into one of four application rate categories — zero, reduced, standard, or elevated — based on the NDVI and NDRE values observed. The operator can accept the automatic prescription or adjust zone boundaries and rates before the application pass begins. This closed-loop process — map, prescribe, apply — is completed in a single field session.

Variable Rate Spraying

The HarvestEye Pro's spray system uses the prescription map generated during the mapping pass to control the pump flow rate zone by zone throughout the application flight. In high-stress zones flagged by the AI, flow rate increases to deliver the prescribed elevated application rate. In healthy zones, flow rate decreases or cuts to zero, reducing input consumption and minimising chemical application in areas where it provides no benefit.

The variable rate system operates on a 5-metre grid resolution matching the prescription map output. The centrifugal pump responds to rate changes within 0.3 seconds — fast enough to implement zone boundaries accurately at the 3–4 m/s operating speed.

Use Cases

Precision pesticide application: Map NDVI and identify disease or pest stress hotspots. Apply fungicide or insecticide only to affected zones, reducing both chemical cost and environmental impact compared to blanket application.

Variable rate foliar nutrition: Map nitrogen stress using NDRE. Apply foliar nitrogen precisely to deficient zones during the same field session, achieving a faster crop response than waiting for ground equipment scheduling.

Yield mapping context: The multispectral data captured during mapping passes accumulates across the season to build a field-level understanding of yield-limiting zones — data that informs soil testing priorities and management zone decisions for following seasons.

Specs and Configuration Notes

The 20L tank capacity is smaller than the dedicated AgroSpray T40's 40L. This is a deliberate trade-off: the HarvestEye Pro is designed for precision application at moderate scale, not bulk spraying large acreages. For operations where spraying is the primary function and scale is above 30 acres per session, the AgroSpray T40 remains the appropriate platform. For operations where both mapping and precision spraying are required at 5–25 acre scales, the HarvestEye Pro eliminates the need for two separate platforms.

What's in the Box

• HarvestEye Pro airframe with motors and ESC installed
• 20L spray tank with quick-release coupling
• 4-band multispectral sensor payload (pre-installed)
• RTK GPS module and base station
• 6S 22,000mAh intelligent flight battery (x2)
• Rapid dual-channel charger
• Field tablet with HarvestEye Mission app
• Configuration and prescription workflow guide
• Spray system maintenance kit

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the HarvestEye Pro spray without the mapping pass?

Yes — the spray system operates independently and can execute a standard uniform-rate spray mission from a pre-loaded boundary file without a preceding mapping pass. This is useful for scheduled applications where a prescription is not needed, such as fungicide calendar applications.

How does the 4-band sensor compare to the FieldMapper M10's 5-band?

The HarvestEye Pro's 4-band sensor omits the blue band included on the FieldMapper M10. This limits some index calculations — primarily those requiring NDWI (Normalised Difference Water Index). NDVI and NDRE, the most operationally important indices for prescription mapping, are fully supported. For operations where water stress mapping is a primary objective, the FieldMapper M10 is the more appropriate platform.

What is the maximum area the HarvestEye can map and spray in one session?

With two batteries and the standard 35-minute mapping endurance, mapping coverage is up to 80 acres. Spray coverage at 20L per tank is approximately 8–13 acres per tank depending on application rate. A typical combined session — one mapping flight, three to four spray flights with refills — covers 25–35 acres end to end.

Is specialist training required to operate the prescription workflow?

The HarvestEye Mission app walks operators through the prescription review and application steps with guided screens. No GIS or data analysis skills are required to use the AI-generated prescription. Agronomic knowledge is valuable for reviewing and adjusting the prescription before application, particularly for the first few flights on a new farm.