2024 top 5: Most read articles on autonomy

26-12 | Autonomous/semi-autosteering systems | Article

Autonomous technology continues to shape the future of agriculture, offering solutions for labour shortages, efficiency, and precision. In 2024, readers of Future Farming showed a strong interest in the latest advancements in autonomy. From self-driving tractors to AI-powered field robots, these innovations are changing the way farmers work.

This week, coming up to the end of 2024 and the first week of 2025, we look back at the content we have shared over the year. In the coming days, you will find the top 5 listings of our best-read articles. In this article, we look back at the 5 most-read pieces of the year, highlighting the breakthroughs and trends that captured the attention of our audience.

1. This is how your GPS system works accurately

Going through the different checkpoints ensures that a GPS system also does what it’s intended for: working accurately. Future Farming provides you with tips and tricks for maximum precision.

This is how your GPS system works accurately

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Checking the checkpoints ensures that a GPS system also does what it's meant to do: work accurately. Tips and tricks for maximum precision. - Photo: Mark Pasveer — Checking the checkpoints ensures that a GPS system also does what it's meant to do: work accurately. Tips and tricks for maximum precision. – Photo: Mark Pasveer

2. Kubota is working on an autonomous driving kit

The machinery manufacturer Kubota showcased its new development at a meeting in Spain: a kit that allows tractors to operate autonomously.

Kubota is working on an autonomous driving kit

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Kubota is introducing a kit that enables tractors to drive autonomously, developed in collaboration with a French startup company. – Photos: Bob Karsten.

3. 7 GPS steering systems tested: Valtra leads the way, part 1

Future Farming presented a comprehensive GPS comparison test on 7 tractor brands. It turned out that all 7 tractor brands provide excellent GPS steering systems. The difference was in advanced features and ease of use. Valtra was at the forefront, with John Deere coming in second. This is part 1 with the introduction of the test and soms results. In part 2 we presented an overview of the 7 brands.

7 GPS steering systems tested: Valtra leads the way, part 1

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On the roof of the tractor are the 7 GPS steering systems from the tractor brands Claas (Trimble), Deutz-Fahr, John Deere, Massey Ferguson, McCormick, New Holland, and Valtra. In this test of GPS steering systems, Valtra led the way, with John Deere coming in at number 2. - Photo: Mark Pasveer — On the roof of the tractor are the 7 GPS steering systems from the tractor brands Claas (Trimble), Deutz-Fahr, John Deere, Massey Ferguson, McCormick, New Holland, and Valtra. In this test of GPS steering systems, Valtra led the way, with John Deere coming in at number 2. – Photo: Mark Pasveer

4. What autonomous tractors are already on the market?

The majority of tractor manufacturers is working on the technology to let at least one of their tractor models work unmanned. A recap based on what we know now.

What autonomous tractors are already on the market?

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Lessons learned during last year’s experiments in the Netherlands with a common tractor retrofitted with an autonomous kit, include farmers’ clear opinions that they find ‘an unmanned autonomous tractor mainly interesting for soil preparation. Photo: Koos Groenewold

5. ‘Overlooked logistics: Navigating the future of autonomous farming’

Craig Rupp, CEO of Sabanto and a pioneer in autonomous farming, shares his perspective on the practical realities of autonomy in agriculture. As one of the first to operate a fleet of autonomous tractors, Rupp offers unique insights into why a standard autonomous tractor may often be more effective than a dedicated field robot. In this series of bi-weekly opinion pieces, he explores the reality of autonomous farming and what it could mean for farmers today.

‘Overlooked logistics: Navigating the future of autonomous farming’