FarmBot Genesis and Genesis XL are small scale FarmBots primarily constructed from V-Slot aluminum extrusions and aluminum plates and brackets. They are driven by four NEMA 17 stepper motors with rotary encoders, the Farmduino microcontroller, and a Raspberry Pi 3 computer.

Current models can cover growing areas as small 1m² up to a maximum of 18m², and plants as tall as 1m. With additional hardware and modifications, it may be possible to scale the Genesis concept to cover approximately 50m² and a maximum plant height of 1.5m, though at this time we do not offer kits with such capacity.

FarmBot Genesis v1.4

FarmBot Genesis XL v1.4

Tracks

Tracks are one of the components that really differentiate FarmBot technology from traditional free-driving wheeled tractors. The tracks are what allow the system to have great precision in an efficient and simple manner. There are many reasons of why tracks are superior, a few of which are listed below.

1. Tracks provide great precision and allow the the FarmBot to return to the same position repeatedly
2. Any type of packing structure of plants can be created and managed
3. Tracks take up less area than paths for tractor wheels and do not compact the soil

Gantry

The Gantry is the the structural component that bridges the two Tracks and moves in the X-direction via an X-Direction Drive System. Typically, it serves as a linear guide for the Cross-Slide and a base for the Y-Direction Drive System that moves the Cross-Slide across the Gantry in the Y-direction. It can also serve as a base for mounting other tools, electronics, supplies, and/or sensors.

Cross-slide

The Cross-Slide moves in the Y-Direction across the Gantry. This motion provides the second major degree of freedom for FarmBots and allows operations such as planting to be done anywhere in the XY plane. The Cross-Slide is moved using a Y-Direction Drive System and functions as the base for the Tool Mount and Z-Direction Drive System.

Z-axis

The Z-axis attaches to the Cross-Slide and provides the FarmBot with Z-Direction movement. It serves as the base for attaching the Universal Tool Mount and other Tools.

Raised tracks vs low tracks

For FarmBots to properly grow taller plants, the Gantry, Cross-Slide, Z-Axis, and Tools must have adequate vertical clearance from the plants. This can generally be accomplished in two ways:

1. Using raised tracks and a low-profile gantry
2. Using low tracks with a tall gantry

In general, using low tracks with a tall gantry is the better design, especially for larger applications because it saves on material cost, is less of an eyesore, blocks less sunlight, and would be easier to maintain. However, in the case of a FarmBot being installed in a greenhouse or other structure, utilizing the existing walls to support the tracks higher may be a better solution.

Economies of scale

The table below shows the cost/m² of growing area based on the size of your FarmBot. Predictably, the larger your FarmBot is, the lower the cost will be per square meter of growing area. Thus, we recommend installing the largest possible FarmBot in your space in order to get the most value out of the device.

Note that the costs below do not account for supporting infrastructure, which will also increase in cost as the device size increases.

Model	Track Length	Gantry Width	Growing Area	Cost	Cost/m^2
Genesis	1.5m *	1.5m	2.25m2	~$2,700	$1,200
Genesis	3m	1.5m	4.5m2	~$2,700	$600
Genesis XL	3m *	3m	9m2	~$4,000	$444
Genesis XL	4.5m *	3m	13.5m2	~$4,000	$296
Genesis XL	6m	3m	18m2	~$4,000	$222

** indicates tracks that are shorter from the stock kit. Please note that at this time we do not sell kits with shorter tracks, so these calculations are for someone who does not utilize all of the components in their kit.*

What’s next?

• Change Log

  All of the changes we made to FarmBot Genesis since the last version