Widespread availability of fully autonomous vehicles in agriculture may still be several years away. But in recent years, companies have publicly showcased self-driving innovations, advancing development to the cusp of commercial production.
Technology is now evolving toward full autonomy. Master-and-slave (or follow-me) systems are being tested, enabling one driver to guide a fleet, thus boosting the driver’s productivity. Next will come manned yet fully autonomous tractors.
Widespread availability of fully autonomous vehicles in agriculture may still be several years away. But in recent years, companies have publicly showcased self-driving innovations, advancing development to the cusp of commercial production.
In the latest newscast we look at what the latest Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture Ag Economy Barometer reveals, how John Deere’s quarterly sales were down but operating profit was up, what’s driving autonomous equipment in ag, how the Hagie deal is helping one Iowa John Deere dealer and the latest earnings report from Titan Machinery.
At the first-ever agBot Challenge held in Rockville, Ind., more than 1,000 attendees were given a chance to see just how far autonomous ag technology has come — and how far is still has to go.
Recent years have seen momentum build for autonomous vehicles in agriculture as a potentially more efficient and durable alternative to today’s machinery. But to bring autonomy to North American agriculture, it’s going to have to be phased in, says Kraig Schulz, president and CEO of Autonomous Tractor Cooperation.
Each monthly issue of Ag Equipment Intelligence is like getting one-on-one personal advice from the world's most trusted ag equipment industry experts. Advice that hasn't been watered down or distorted by outside influence, providing the latest and most insightful farm equipment analysis. AEI explores where the ag equipment industry is going — not just where it's been. No filler. No bias. No conflict of interest. You can access the PDF issue archive by clicking here.
The announcement of a partnership between New Holland and Bluewhite was one of the big precision stories of the summer. West Coast New Holland dealers now have the rights to sell, distribute and service Bluewhite’s aftermarket autonomy kits.