Large-Scale Autonomous Tractors Work With Traditional Implements

Large-Scale Autonomous Tractors Work With Traditional Implements PLANTING EQUIPMENT Miscellaneous Commercially available autonomous tractors are here Netherlands-based AgXeed sent more than 50 robots into European fields in 2023 with more to follow this spring The AgBots plowed harrowed spot sprayed cultivated mowed seeded and more They worked in every kind of crop and with all types of implements The autonomous cabless tractors range from the 4-WD 75 hp 2 055W4 to the 156 hp 5 115T2 on tracks The company also offers a 3-wheel 75-hp version for orchards and vineyards “Our AgBots have front and rear ends much like standard tractors with 3-point hitches ptos and hydraulic valves ” says Philipp Kamps AgXeed “We have the interfaces needed to work with conventional field equipment made by people who are experts ” What AgXeed brings to the field is motive power The Deutz diesel engines generate the electricity needed for the electric drive train pto and optional high voltage connectors and a pto-powered hydraulic system The 2 055W4 has a rear linkage CAT 3 hitch with a 4-ton lift at the hooks and a 1 1/2-ton lift on the front linkage CAT 2 hitch The larger 5 115T2 has an 8-ton maximum lift at the hooks of the rear CAT 3 hitch and a 3-ton maximum lift on the front mount CAT 2 hitch A key feature of both tractors is variable track width adjustment Depending on which of six track types is selected the 5 115T2 can have an inside track width of just over 6 ft to more than 10 1/2 ft Track types can vary in width from 1 to 3 ft The track width on the 2 055W4 can adjust from 5 ft to 7 ft 4 in It has wheel configurations of 10 1/2 in 13 in and 28 in Safety is a concern with any farming equipment but AgXeed has addressed it with interactive and overlapping technologies Multiple emergency stop buttons visual indicator lights and an audible warning alarm are all part of the safety system Onboard cameras front and rear can be accessed for a live stream through the AgXeed Portal which can be accessed through personal devices or desktop computers Field maps are used to create geofences with two different RTK corrections and two satellite positioning receivers for precise positioning and machine heading Lidar provides 360-degree coverage of objects within 100 ft of the tractors This is augmented by radar sensors on the tractor bumper that detect objects within 50 ft and ultrasonic sensors that detect obstacles close to the AgBot The on-board control system identifies stationary and moving objects and adopts a strategy to avoid them With moving objects it analyzes position direction and speed of movement of the object and the tractor Tractor speed is slowed as needed to ensure avoidance If necessary the tractor will stop “If a stop occurs a message would be sent to the designated operator who can check on-board cameras to verify the field is clear and re-engage the AgBot ” explains Kamps If an object strikes the contact-sensitive bumper the control system signals an emergency stop and shuts down the engine “If you consider that these safety systems operate 24 hours a day in all types of weather and light conditions the AgBot is safer than having a human operate a machine ” says Kamps AgBots are currently operating in Ontario and California in high-value crops Sean Bartlett Provide Agro Corporation brought AgBots to Ontario 2 years ago Three of them are working with Hol Spray Systems in area orchards with plans to introduce more this year “There are still some hurdles to be worked out in orchard work but the labor issue is a major advantage ” says Bartlett “Spraying is usually done at night and with the AgBots we have a machine doing it without exposure of a person to the spray ” The AgXeed Portal monitors all AgBot activity and records operational data It also helps plan jobs tracks tasks and makes it possible to change pause or stop tasks remotely at any time Kamps reports crop farmers viewing AgBots at the recent World Ag Expo at Tulare Calif had a common reaction “They acknowledged that robots are the future but were surprised we had them commercially available ” says Kamps “They’ve seen little robots with a few hours of operating time Then they see ours with real tires diesel engines and power trains they’re familiar with in sizes from 80 to 160 hp ” To date AgXeed has concentrated on marketing AgBots in Europe This year more attention is being paid to the North American market “We’re analyzing the market and talking to potential customers and dealers ” says Kamps “Crop farming is different in Europe compared to North America However we think there’s a place for a robot that can work with simpler implements and work 24/7 instead of bigger and bigger tractors compacting the soil ” Prices for the 2 0055W in Europe are reported at around $200 000 while the 5 115T2 is slightly over $337 000 That doesn’t include shipping and associated costs with exporting to the U S or Canada Contact: FARM SHOW Followup AgXeed Horsterweg 66A 5971 NG Grubbenvorst The Netherlands info@agxeed com; www agxeed com or Peter Robinson International Sales AgXeed ph 447887797500; peter robinson@agxeed com or Provide Agro Corporation 4825 Union Rd Beamsville Ontario Canada L3J 0V6 ph 905-563-8261; sbartlett@bartlett ca; www provideag ca

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