Autonomous tractors await smart implements
The autonomous tractor is here, but “smart” implements—machines equipped with advanced sensor technologies to monitor work quality and detect faults without human intervention—are still in development. Leading manufacturers such as Lemken, Amazone, and Kuhn are at the forefront, bridging the gap between autonomous vehicles and precision farming implements.
From cultivators that detect blockages to harrows equipped with LiDAR for real-time quality control, the latest generation of implements is designed to independently monitor and adapt to field conditions. While some of these innovations are already undergoing field trials, others are expected to hit the market within a few years.
Feedback and monitoring
When a driverless tractor or autonomous field robot takes on or assumes a task, there are no human senses present to ensure that the implement or machine is performing its task correctly. Parameters such as PTO speed, oil temperature, working width, lift height, working depth, and clogging of seed tubes and spray nozzles can already be monitored effectively using existing sensor. This is standard practice with conventional tractor-implement combinations.
Additionally, imbalances and vibrations can also be detected and monitored by sensors. However, monitoring parameters such as the filling or clogging of a cultivator and the degree of soil crumbling by a roller is still manual work with current machinery. This human oversight will also need to be replaced by technology in the context of robotics—technology capable of monitoring operations and providing feedback to the operator who oversees the process from another vehicle or remotely.
Machinery manufacturers are aware of this need and are developing “smart” implements capable of working autonomously.
Limited availability
Lemken was the first European machinery manufacturer to unveil a cultivator equipped with a stereo camera and 2 laser sensors. This was presented at the SIMA trade fair in November 2022 as part of the Combined Powers VTE project by Krone and Lemken. The stereo camera monitors the implement, while the lasers assess the quality of the work. Lemken has since conducted field trials with such feedback and monitoring sensors on the Heliodor and Rubin compact disc harrows, as well as the Solitair seed drill.
“Dust formation presents a challenge for visual cameras,” explains Lars Heier of Lemken. “That is why, in our search for the right sensors, we are exploring the use of LiDAR and radar. Our first priority is to detect and recognize (potential) machine malfunctions, ideally before they occur. The next step is to focus on monitoring the quality of the work.”
AI-based system for monitoring machines and implements
Heier adds that the company, in collaboration with Dutch firm Track32 (in which Lemken holds a minority stake), is developing an AI-based system for monitoring machines and implements. “This includes monitoring the wear of cultivator tines and detecting soil and/or crop residue build-up. The system will be similar to our iQblue connect system and will also be retrofittable to existing machines. We are currently nearing the prototype stage and expect to bring it to market in about 3 to 4 years.”
AutoTill
At the Agritechnica trade fair in November 2023, Amazone showcased its AutoTill technology. Initially, AutoTill can monitor the functionality of a stubble cultivator, such as the Amazone Cenio, via Isobus and alert the operator to any issues. According to the manufacturer, the next step is for the system to respond autonomously to problems, with the final goal being fully unmanned autonomous cultivation.
AutoTill sensors monitor key parameters on the cultivator, including overload protection, working depth, build-up beneath the frame, tine loss, and the rotational speed of the roller. Stefan Kiefer of Amazone notes that the manufacturer is currently focusing its efforts on smart implements for soil cultivation but is also exploring applications for hoeing and seeding machines. “We primarily use simple, robust sensors, such as angle meters and inductive sensors, and for some applications, we’re developing our own sensors. We’re also exploring the potential of sensors already used in Isobus machines. Some machines are currently undergoing testing on trial farms, but we’re not yet at the stage of selling them.”
Kuhn Karl and the smart power harrow
Kuhn’s Karl field robot also made its debut at Agritechnica 2023, equipped with a prototype electric-powered HR 2520 rotary harrow. “The rotary harrow is still a prototype,” explains Baptiste Kieffer of Kuhn. “We monitor the rotor speed and power demand to prevent blockages. A sensor is also installed to prevent the rotors from clogging. Our next step is to integrate a LiDAR sensor for real-time quality monitoring of the operation. We have started with the development of this smart rotary harrow, but our aim is to make more machines smart and, therefore, suitable for autonomous operation, particularly soil cultivation equipment. Initially, these will be used in combination with our Karl field robot, but once communication between autonomous vehicles and smart implements is standardised, they can also work with other field robots and (autonomous) tractors.”
Reading task maps and sensors remotely
Other manufacturers of soil cultivation machinery, including Kverneland, Pöttinger, and Väderstad, do not yet offer feedback and monitoring sensor technology. However, Kverneland and Väderstad emphasize that their latest soil cultivation machines can work the soil at varying depths using task maps and GPS. Additionally, the remote monitoring of sensors, such as those measuring oil temperature in a gearbox, is a feature already offered by several manufacturers.
