BIO-TAC solution between heavy manual labor and expensive agricultural robots

The BIO-TAC solution: an autonomous, modular electric tool carrier intended for regenerative and biointensive agriculture, i.e. an agricultural tool with autonomous guidance, significantly facilitates daily work on an agricultural farm.

BIO-TAC is a regional solution implemented through the EmBRACE project within the Interreg VI-A IPA Programme Croatia - Bosnia and Herzegovina - Montenegro 2021-2027, funded by the European Union (EU).

"Partners in the development of BIO-TAC are Upbeat Hub from Montenegro, PZ Agronova from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Green Tools Tech from Croatia," the Ministry of European Affairs announced.

Upbeat Hub representative, Vukašin Rakočević, said that they designed BIO-TAC because small and medium-sized farms lack an affordable solution between heavy manual labor and expensive agricultural robots.

"We needed something smaller, simpler and financially feasible, which can help farms be more efficient, especially those that apply ecological and sustainable methods," said Rakočević.

Such solutions respond to the needs of modern agriculture, especially small and medium-sized farms, which form the backbone of production in Montenegro.

The advantage of BIO TAC is that it allows multiple operations to be performed with one machine, thereby reducing costs and increasing production efficiency.

"In practice, it uses an electric drive, a guidance system and sensors, and thanks to interchangeable attachments, it can perform multiple tasks in production, from soil preparation to inter-row cultivation," said Rakočević.

According to him, developing such technology in Montenegro involves a complex process, from technical development and testing to certification and preparation for the market. This is precisely why he emphasizes that EU support plays a key role.

"EU support was very important, practically crucial, because the entire concept is aligned with the European priorities of green transition, digitalization and sustainable agriculture. Such support gave the project both a development framework and a realistic opportunity to move from an idea to a market-ready solution," said Rakočević.

Additionally, cooperation with partners from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina has enabled BIO-TAC to grow beyond the confines of local innovation and develop into a solution that can have wider application.

"We developed the project not only for the local market, but as a solution with potential for the entire Western Balkans and beyond. BIO-TAC reduces the need for heavy physical labor, automates some tasks and makes agricultural production more accessible and efficient, which is especially important in conditions of labor shortages on farms," ​​explained Rakočević.

The project is currently in the technical preparation and validation phase, while the next steps include additional testing and preparation for wider market application.

The example of BIO-TAC clearly shows how important EU funds are for the development of innovation in Montenegro, especially in the areas of agriculture, green technologies and digitalization.

"They not only reduce development and procurement costs, but also help give domestic ideas a real chance to become competitive products on the market," said Rakočević.

In the context of European integration, such projects confirm that harmonization with EU standards is not only an obligation, but also an opportunity for the development of new technologies, strengthening the economy, and improving life in rural areas.

Additionally, such solutions give people the opportunity to work smarter, preserve the land, and build a sustainable future for their farms.