ALL ABOUT TRACTORS

BY PAUL WALLEM

The word autonomous is appearing quite often in the world of farm equipment.

The dictionary definition is “the ability to make your own decisions about what to do rather than being influenced by someone else or told what to do.”

In today’s column, the word applies to a machine using AI to determine how it performs without a person guiding it. This is how a driverless car operates. In agriculture, the term most often pertains to tractors, combines, and sprayers, with others being developed.

A significant reason behind the increased attention in agriculture is the labor shortage. Some believe autonomous equipment will change the face of agriculture.

AI enables the manufacturer to transition the machine from driver-assist (which has been in use for a while) to the operator’s removal from the machine.

Safety concerns still loom over the practice. Insurance companies are beginning to deal with this in their policies.

The technology used increases the need for better wireless availability, which is not strong in some rural regions of the U.S.

Other issues that must be dealt with are the potential vulnerability to hacking and the concern over technology rights. Issues arise such as ownership of the data the machines collect and who has the right to repair them.

The market for autonomous equipment will soon reach $95 billion worldwide, an estimate that includes numerous types of equipment.

One survey of Canada’s labor shortage in the farm industry indicates over 100,000.

This is true in many parts of the world and is the principal reason for the growth of autonomous equipment.

Agriculture has, in the past, always dealt with labor shortages by doing more with equipment – more horsepower, more inputs, more acres per machine and driver. The labor shortage keeps growing, however.

Seed-planting robots replace the substantial amount of human time-consuming effort. These devices plant seed in the desired position and remove human labor.

Autonomous tractors equipped with GPS, sensors, and AI are appearing on farms worldwide. One Deere model leverages six pairs of stereo cameras for 360-degree obstacle detection. 

A CNH tractor uses lidar and radar sensors to continuously scan for objects and people.

AGCO’s high-horsepower Fendt can be equipped with autonomous steering and completely autonomous tillage and soil work on slopes and uneven terrain. Remote monitoring and diagnostic troubleshooting are also available. Monarch’s MK-V uses 12 lidar sensors and Nvidia GPU for situation processing. Other manufacturers throughout the world are bringing similar equipment to the market.

Potential drawbacks exist with this equipment. It is expensive to buy and out of reach for most small operators. Many find the learning curve quite steep. Extensive training is often a necessity for using the equipment. Reliable data transmission, stationary electric power, and technical support are critical elements. Vulnerability exists for cybersecurity threats. Proactive measures to prevent hacking are essential.

Conclusion: Key takeaways on autonomous tractors

Multiple tractor manufacturers now offer models with the very latest technology.

Key benefits include lower operating costs, reduced labor burdens, improved efficiency, higher precision, expanded scalability, and abundant field data.

However, downsides, such as huge costs for smaller farms, infrastructure prerequisites, cyber risks, and job losses, still tend to slow universal adoption.

Producers should weigh acreage, crops, labor availability, and facility readiness when assessing if automation merits investment.

While not yet a silver bullet solution, rapid technological improvements promise to expand its capabilities and viability for future farms vastly. In coming years, autonomous tractor adoption will quicken, prices will moderate, and capabilities will match more human skills.

However, well-trained, innovative farmers will remain essential in overseeing, optimizing, and complementing autonomous machines as farming enters this new frontier. (Note: parts of above sourced from agtecher)

A closing thought: Money can’t buy happiness; money can buy tractors; tractors can buy happiness.

Paul Wallem was raised on an Illinois dairy farm. He spent 13 years with corporate IH in domestic and foreign assignments, then resigned to own and operate two IH dealerships. He is the author of THE BREAKUP of IH and SUCCESSES & INDUSTRY FIRSTS of IH. See all his books on www.PaulWallem.com. Email comments to pwallem@aol.com.