The article discusses the rise of autonomous vehicles in agriculture, focusing on unmanned tractors. While multipurpose field robots are designed to complement tractor tasks, tractors are unlikely to become obsolete due to the pleasure of driving them and existing automation features. Several manufacturers, such as Kubota, Yanmar, Monarch Tractor, and John Deere, offer autonomous tractors, with retrofit kits available for existing models. However, human supervision is still essential for monitoring operations and addressing issues. The article also highlights the challenges of implementing fully autonomous systems, such as monitoring implements and logistics on public roads. It suggests that a combination of unmanned and manned tractors could offer advantages. Interested parties are encouraged to join Future Farming’s catalogue of autonomous tractors and retrofit kits by contacting them before November 1, 2024. The article also mentions Sabanto, a company offering autonomous field operations and retrofit kits for selected tractor brands. Overall, the piece emphasizes the gradual integration of autonomous technology in agriculture, highlighting the current availability and future potential of unmanned tractors in farm operations.
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Photo credit www.futurefarming.com
The Future of Agriculture: Autonomous Tractors vs. Field Robots
