increase font size
Many tractor manufacturers are talking about autonomous operation, most going about it by modifying existing products.
High-end German tractor builder Fendt looks to be taking a different route: it sees fieldwork of the future being done by multiple robots
Its MARS (mobile agricultural swarm robots) project proposes units working around the clock at high levels of precision and with much less labour onfarm. The company also believes that by using multiple small robots the system would offer more flexibility and allow adaptation to changing conditions or situations.
Early trials are centred on the planting of maize crops in a project being partnered by the University of Ulm and funded by the European Union Open Robotics Development Programme.
The vision sees field robots being transported to a work area by a logistics unit -- a perhaps autonomous trailer or transporter carrying seed, fertiliser and recharge facilities for the robots.
Field units would be battery powered and run electric drive systems, resulting in lower tare weights with the benefit of being able to operate under conditions not suitable for conventionally based machines.
Robots would do the seeding, and be able to adjust seed rates and sowing patterns and record data for proof of placement.
Control would be via an app, used on a tablet or mobile device, allowing control away from the work site. After inputting data on field location and size, setting seed rates and sowing pattern, the system would calculate the time required to complete the task and allocate the appropriate number of robots.
Robots would be able to communicate via a cloud-based system in conjunction with GPS to provide detail such as geo-coordinates of each seed planted, and should a unit break down send a message to the logistics vehicle to organise a replacement.
Released in New Zealand earlier in the year, the new Fendt 600 Vario series, serving the 150-200hp category, is a compact and manoeuvrable 4-cylinder tractor with high performance and payload, at a low power-to-weight ratio.
Taking pride of place at Central Districts Field Days, the new 600 Series was Fendt’s incarnation of a compact and manoeuvrable 4-cylinder tractor in the 150-200hp sector.
Fonterra has announced new financial incentives for farmers who achieve on-farm emissions targets.
Following a quarter century of production, the 100,000th Fendt 700 Vario was recently driven off the production line in Marktoberdorf, Germany.
As a sign of the times, a sharp downturn in the global demand for tractors and machinery has seen some of the global players announcing lacklustre half yearly results.
OPINION: Ministry for Primary Industries' situation outlook for primary industries report (SOPI) makes impressive reading.
Sheep and beef farmers Matt and Kristin Churchward say using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread fertiliser on their sprawling 630ha farm is a game changer for their business.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…
