Robohub.org
 

As Google cars roll out, Deere reminds us of its thousands of self-driving tractors

by
28 June 2015



share this:
Google's self driving car. Source: Google

Google’s self driving car. Source: Google

Google is putting 25 new self-driving cars onto the streets of Mountain View, California, but agricultural equipment manufacturer John Deere reminds us that it already has tens of thousands of self-driving tractors in service around the world.

john deere 2John Deere has been selling self-driving kits for its tractors for over 15 years. Its latest version, called AutoTrac, allows the self-driving tractor to follow pre-programmed routes. True, the technology in AutoTrac is less complex than the Google system, but it does the job as advertised and has been doing it successfully for years. When paired with a GPS RTK receiver and display, the AutoTrac kit can automatically steer the tractor. The kit is tied directly into the steering system on the tractor and provides up to 2″ accuracy.

Over 60% of new Deere tractors are outfitted with the AutoTrac software and kit (or other self-guidance technology) and they can be found operating in more than 100 countries around the world.  Rather than Google, “John Deere is the largest operator of autonomous vehicles,” said Catherine Sandoval, of California’s Public Utility Commission (PUC).

John Deere isn’t the only farm equipment manufacturer providing self-driving kits. There are many others including AGCO (Fendt), CNH Industrial (Case New Holland) and Kairos Autonomi, to name just a few.

john deere 1Deere has also been selling self-driving, autonomous, cab-less, concept tractors (such as the one shown on the left) but, thus far, they haven’t replaced the kits. Farmers want the air-conditioned, cushioned cabin in their tractors to house all the monitors, computer and automation technologies for the implements the tractor is towing. They want to remain in charge, and the cab has become the hub of computerized farm automation.

If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:

See all the latest robotics news on Robohub, or sign up for our weekly newsletter.



tags: , , , , ,


Frank Tobe is the owner and publisher of The Robot Report, and is also a panel member for Robohub's Robotics by Invitation series.
Frank Tobe is the owner and publisher of The Robot Report, and is also a panel member for Robohub's Robotics by Invitation series.





Related posts :



Open Robotics Launches the Open Source Robotics Alliance

The Open Source Robotics Foundation (OSRF) is pleased to announce the creation of the Open Source Robotics Alliance (OSRA), a new initiative to strengthen the governance of our open-source robotics so...

Robot Talk Episode 77 – Patricia Shaw

In the latest episode of the Robot Talk podcast, Claire chatted to Patricia Shaw from Aberystwyth University all about home assistance robots, and robot learning and development.
18 March 2024, by

Robot Talk Episode 64 – Rav Chunilal

In the latest episode of the Robot Talk podcast, Claire chatted to Rav Chunilal from Sellafield all about robotics and AI for nuclear decommissioning.
31 December 2023, by

AI holidays 2023

Thanks to those that sent and suggested AI and robotics-themed holiday videos, images, and stories. Here’s a sample to get you into the spirit this season....
31 December 2023, by and

Faced with dwindling bee colonies, scientists are arming queens with robots and smart hives

By Farshad Arvin, Martin Stefanec, and Tomas Krajnik Be it the news or the dwindling number of creatures hitting your windscreens, it will not have evaded you that the insect world in bad shape. ...
31 December 2023, by

Robot Talk Episode 63 – Ayse Kucukyilmaz

In the latest episode of the Robot Talk podcast, Claire chatted to Ayse Kucukyilmaz from the University of Nottingham about collaboration, conflict and failure in human-robot interactions.
31 December 2023, by





Robohub is supported by:




Would you like to learn how to tell impactful stories about your robot or AI system?


scicomm
training the next generation of science communicators in robotics & AI


©2024 - Association for the Understanding of Artificial Intelligence


 












©2021 - ROBOTS Association