tractors but add autonomous technology which would take it the next level. By using the latest in GPS technologies along with the most accurate satel- lite correction signals for ultra-precise guidance plus the ability to immedi- ate record and transmit field data, the CNH Industrial autonomous tractor concept has been designed to allow completely remote deployment, moni- toring and control of the machines by farmers. This new technology offers the potential to completely remove the operator from the cab as seen in the very impressive Case IH Magnum concept tractor or as seen with New Holland’s T8 NHDrive™ concept tractor which maintains its cab to deliver operating flexibility, with traditional operation for road trans- port or for other farming use which is not suited for automation. In either format, the concept machines can be seamlessly integrated into existing fleets and aside from the driverless technology they use a conventional engine, transmission, chassis and implement couplings. CNH Industrial’s new offers a fully interactive interface that has been developed to control the autonomous tractors, while at the same time providing immedi- ate and secure feedback, recording and transfer of operational data. The process of operating either tractor begins with inputting grid boundar- ies or field maps into the system and then using the integrated path planning software to plot the most efficient field paths for machines. Once path plotting has finished, the user can choose a job from a pre-programmed menu simply by selecting the vehicle, choosing the field and then setting the tractor out on its task, the whole sequence taking little more than 30 seconds from either a standard desktop computer, laptop or a portable tablet interface. This allows the users to access the data, whether it is from the comfort of their house, in
enable their application across the full range of equipment in a modern farmer’s fleet. This could encompass the full range of tractors, harvesting equipment and support vehicles, such as sprayers. CNH Industrial has worked with its long-standing technology provider Autonomous Solutions Incorporated, ASI, a Utah-based company that is the industry leader in off-road auton- omous solutions, in order to develop and refine this concept autonomous technology. An intensive testing program was undertaken to ensure both the concept tractors themselves and the critical tractor/planter inter- face are fully functional and intuitive to operate. CNH Industrial’s concept autono- mous tractor technology holds sig- nificant promise and the demand for food grows for a sustainable and productive future of farming to meet these demands.
their truck or working the in the barn, they will have the full control of data to make real time adjustments to enhance operational efficiency and productivity of their farm. This system automatically accounts for implement widths, and also plots the most efficient paths when working with multiple machines, including those operating with differ- ent implement widths and with varying operating require- ments. Manual path plotting can also be carried out for refueling or when custom paths are required. It must be said that autonomous technology is most suited for farming jobs which require minimal complex operator intervention, such as; cultivation, planting, spraying and mowing. While the concept Case IH Magnum and New Holland T8 NHDrive™ autonomous models are using concep- tual CNH Industrial technology, they address relevant real world situations. Autonomous tractor operation is suited both to owner-operator situations, where it could allow a person working with no employees to operate two tractors, or to the very largest business- es where finding suitable skilled labor is becoming increasingly more challenging as is the current case for most farmers.
These autonomous technologies have been designed so that, in the future, they could be further developed to
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OCTOBER 2016 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS
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