What once seemed like a distant dream is now a reality on the farm. The era of fully autonomous functions is upon us, bringing with it a host of benefits and challenges.

Unlock the Potential of Autonomy in Agriculture

What Once Felt Like a Futuristic Novel is Here

Skilled labor for heavy machinery operation can be scarce, and weather events often limit planting and harvest windows. Autonomy emerges as a potential solution, enabling machinery to run 24/7 until the job is done. For instance, during AGCO's autonomous tillage testing, they discovered up to 7% to 8% fuel efficiency savings by reducing engine load from 100% to around 85%. This not only saves on fuel costs but also contributes to a more sustainable farming operation.Each manufacturer has been developing autonomous technology for years, with common precision ag features like guidance lines and turn automation serving as the building blocks. AGCO, for example, has met with and observed farmers throughout the crop cycle, documenting every task. Kevin Jones, AGCO's senior manager of product management for autonomous operations, states that for tillage functions to achieve full autonomy, the tractor needs to perform 26 automated processes.John Deere is working towards bringing a fully autonomous agriculture production system from planting to harvest by 2030. Michael Porter, the go-to-market manager for large tractors and tillage at the company, emphasizes their commitment to this goal.Jonathan Kinzenbaw, a farmer in Iowa, was initially hesitant about precision ag technology. However, when he got his first tractor with autosteer, he realized the efficiency benefits. He now realizes that while he may not be ready to give up his cab space completely to a computer, there are enhancements that can reduce stress. He also emphasizes the importance of the pocketbook and the need for autonomous technology to justify its cost.One of the challenges Kinzenbaw faces is the ability to regularly survey his fields for damage or changes. A LiDAR sensor may not pick up all the necessary information. He is concerned about preserving his farm for the next generation and wants to stay informed about what's happening on his land.

What's Available in Autonomy

PTx Trimble and AGCO are set to launch the OutRun platform in 2025, offering a single-product solution for their future autonomy development. Starting with grain cart automation, the system allows combine operators to call the autonomous tractor and grain cart to the harvested field. The tractor carefully navigates to avoid soil compaction and crop destruction. It can then send the full grain cart to the truck for unloading and repeat the process, all controlled through a tablet in the combine's cab. AGCO is working to make this compatible with a multi-cart system for larger farms, and automated tillage functions are also in development.John Deere is developing autonomous functions for tractors and implements. They have offered automation bundles for years with G4 and G5 displays. Features like AutoTrac Turn Automation and Active Implement Guidance are part of these bundles. Their new TruSet Active tillage technology adjusts for various factors without operator input, and it will work with their fully autonomous tractor system, with orders opening soon.CNH Industrial and Raven Industries' Cart Automation system allows operators in the tractor cab to streamline the process. In early testing, farmers saw a reduction in training time for new operators and an increase in field efficiency. When the combine's grain tank is full, the system enables seamless synchronization between the combine and the tractor and grain cart. This function uses local radio communication for reliable synchronization and can handle up to six grain carts and combine systems in one operation. CNH is also developing fully autonomous grain cart and tillage functions and testing them on farms across North America.

Operator Confidence and Safety

When bringing expensive, heavy machinery into the field and operating it autonomously, some initial apprehension is natural. John Deere acquired SparkAI in 2023 to support autonomous machinery. The tractor's cameras constantly monitor for obstacles, and if an artificial intelligence system can't determine how to proceed, it sends visuals to the SparkAI team for assessment. Safety is of utmost importance, and farmers can further enhance the process by cleaning up field boundaries and debris before autonomous operation.

Compatibility

Seth Crawford, senior vice president and general manager for PTx Trimble, takes a brand-agnostic, retrofit-first approach to autonomy. They are developing the OutRun autonomous system for select compatible Fendt tractors and John Deere's 2014 or newer 8R tractors. The system is compatible with various farm management software systems and can run completely offline once the setup data is downloaded. John Deere's autonomous technology will be compatible with its 2020 and later tractors, many of which are already equipped with the necessary harnessing and wiring. CNH's Raven Cart Automation is compatible with most Case IH AFS Connect and New Holland PLMi tractors with CVT/PST transmission (model year 2020 or newer) and combines with specific models.In conclusion, the advent of fully autonomous functions in agriculture holds great promise. While there are challenges to overcome, the potential benefits in terms of efficiency, fuel savings, and sustainability are significant. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative solutions emerge in the field of agriculture.