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FARM VEHICLE Central Point's Rogue Rovers shifts into higher gear Grant connects commercial efforts with university research Comment By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune Posted Jun. 1, 2015 at 12:01 AM Updated Jun 1, 2015 at 10:35 AM By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune Posted Jun. 1, 2015 at 12:01 AM Updated Jun 1, 2015 at 10:35 AM » Social News CENTRAL POINT — Step by step, Melissa Brandao and her staff tweak this and re-engineer that on Sparky, Rogue Rovers' prototype electric farm and garden utility vehicle. Spurred by a fresh $225,000 development grant from technology incubator Oregon BEST, Brandao is modifying the steering and remote control capabilities of the four-wheel, smart ATV. "They've doubled-down on us with the additional investment," Brandao said. "This will aid us in moving forward in engineering and smart attachments." The rover, in essence, is a small tractor that integrates the usual mowing and spraying chores. But its software-driven robotic and auxiliary capabilities propel it to a new level. "Right now we're working on upgrades to the existing Sparky," said Brandao, who previously explored the electric vehicle realm as CEO of Barefoot Motors beginning in 2007. "When I first started working on this unit, we were going to make it a smart ATV with data-collecting abilities on board to use for management purposes," "Now we're expanding our vision to incorporate the technology that's out there. We feel there is a gap between existing vehicles and being able to increase the efficiency, productivity and automation within a small, specialty farming vehicle." The base price will be $10,000, rising depending on the additional bells and whistles. "Advanced robotics are more expensive," she conceded. "With the grant, we can make sure we can integrate all the attachments." Part of the appeal to farmers that is the ability to remotely steer the vehicle — making it a drone on wheels. Her team of software and mechanical engineers, including Brammo alumni, are evaluating the supply chain for parts and components. "We've spent a lot of time vetting features with farmers, and there is a whole range of things — everything from cupholders to making if fly," she said. "We're still pretty confident we can roll out vehicles by the end of the year. It's a pretty simple platform and we've already got some customers lined up." Oregon BEST is part of a national clean technology incubator network, funding projects that use newly developed technologies at Oregon's universities. The latest grant connects Rogue Rovers to Oregon State University. The initial $25,000 grant was in conjunction with Oregon Tech. "We're looking for a series of outcomes, getting new companies created with the help of our funding and ready for additional private funding or a federal grant," said Ken Vaughn, Oregon BEST's commercialization programs director. "We want to get companies to the point where they are self-sustaining and hiring people." Rogue Rovers fits the mold. "The thing appealing the most to us about Rogue Rovers is that it has multiple value propositions for specialty farmers," Vaughn said. "There are things that provide convenience, but there is also the potential for a lot of labor savings, as well as a series of tools to increase yield, increase quality and manage resources." Vaughn said it takes time to mesh software and hardware. "It's a vehicle with a bunch of systems overlaid on top of it," he said. "Ultimately, we're hoping Melissa can develop a series of products that can be really valuable to her customers." Reach reporter Greg Stiles at 541-776-4463 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GregMTBusiness , on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/greg.stiles.31 , and read his blog at www.mailtribune.com/EconomicEdge . By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune Posted Jun. 1, 2015 at 12:01 AM Updated Jun 1, 2015 at 10:35 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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