PHOTO: RAVEN INDUSTRIES
PHOTO: RAVEN INDUSTRIES
PHOTO: CNHI
PHOTO: CNHI
The Magnum-size Case IH concept imagines a tractor with sufficient automation that it no longer needs a cab.
Flexibility is the watchword for the New Hol- land NHDrive because it can operate autono- mously or conventionally when a driver is needed for implement monitoring.
the manufacturer’s 130 years, Kubota’s prima- ry motivation for exploring autonomy is Ja- pan’s rapidly ageing and declining population of farmers and a trend towards consolidation of many small family farms into fewer larger businesses. That is also why it launched the AgriRobo tractor – an otherwise regular pro- duction machine equipped with self-driving technologies – for practical field tests in 2018. Kubota notes that “AgriRobo allows the oper- ator to plan, modify and control all autono- mous operations, with control and safety sys- tems ensuring that the tractor does not perform dangerous manoeuvres.” Yanmar, Mahindra and others have developed self-driving technologies for standard tractors for similar reasons, while New Holland cited flexibility of use for its NHDrive concept, which is a New Holland Genesis with a
regular cab and controls. This recognises that in the near term at least tractors that can op- erate on their own at times will need a driver at others, either because of the work being carried out, because a complex implement or machine needs close monitoring, or because journeys between yard and field involve pub- lic roads. Developed in collaboration with Autonomous Solutions Inc, the NHDrive trac- tor can be monitored and controlled via a desktop or portable tablet computer. It pro- vides its remote operator with real-time trac- tor and implement data, a path plotting display and up to four real-time camera views – two at the front and two at the rear. Data from implement sensors, such as seed rate and coulter downforce on a planter, would also be accessible to enable real-time fine tuning from a remote location.
Slave tractors and grain carts AGCO’s exploration of remote tractor control began with the Fendt GuideConnect system − first revealed in 2011 − which enabled control inputs on a lead tractor to be repeated on a second. This so-called ‘follow me’ approach en- ables one operator to achieve double the pro- ductivity while retaining the flexibility that both tractors could also operate individually. In addition to accepting commands via wireless radio communication, the ‘slave’ tractor report- ed its engine and ground speed, error status, low fuel level and other relevant data to keep the lead driver informed. AGCO’s Valtra unit has focused on physical but remote tractor operation, using a 3G mobile phone connection initially but most recently a 5G connection and 360º camera vision. Mikko Lehikoinen of Valtra says: “Radio-controlled
With its acquisition of AutoCart technology, Raven Industries is confi- dent that autonomy for existing tractors will extend to tillage farm- ing….
…but also sees a future in bespoke self-driving platforms such as the DOT.
▶ FUTURE FARMING | 20 November 2020 9
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