John Deere’s 9RX series: How the new autonomy kit enhances speed and efficiency

09:00 | Autonomous/semi-autosteering systems | Interview

John Deere 9RX — With the second-generation autonomy kit, the perception system features 16 individual cameras arranged in pods to enable a 360-degree view of the field. Photos: John Deere

Earlier this year, John Deere introduced an autonomy option for tractors in the new 9RX series. The launch of a perception system, featuring 16 individual cameras and 360-degree visibility, is scheduled for later this year. This system is the only additional component that farmers will need to add in the future to achieve full autonomous operation.

Michael Porter, John Deere's Go-To Market Manager of Large Tractors and Tillage: “The only additional item a farmer will need to add in the future to complete autonomous operations will be the perception system.” . — Michael Porter, John Deere’s Go-To Market Manager of Large Tractors and Tillage: “The only additional item a farmer will need to add in the future to complete autonomous operations will be the perception system.” .

Future Farming interviewed Michael Porter, John Deere’s Go-To Market Manager of Large Tractors and Tillage, asking him 9 questions about the capabilities of the autonomy package.

I understand the 9 Series tractors will feature an autonomous-ready option, allowing farmers to transition to fully autonomous operation. From what I’ve gathered, the only additional item needed to complete the system in the future will be the perception system. Could you provide more details on what the autonomous-ready option includes and what the perception system is capable of?

“The new autonomous-ready package will include rear implement ethernet, new visibility features, a back-up alarm, a 330-amp alternator, a brake controller and valve, and all the necessary connectors, controllers and harnesses. The only additional item a farmer will need to add in the future to complete autonomous operations will be the perception system. The perception system consists of cameras and vision processing units needed for autonomous operation.”

“With the second-generation autonomy kit, it features 16 individual cameras arranged in pods to enable a 360-degree view of the field. The advanced autonomy kit also calculates depth more accurately at larger distances, allowing the tractor to pull more equipment and drive faster. It will be available on the 8R/8RX/9R/9RX tractors in select markets in 2025.”

The farmer will do a calibration from the cab and toggle autonomy on within the display.

I understand that the perception system’s cameras can also detect the implement behind the tractor, helping to identify and address any jamming or blockage issues. Could you elaborate on how this works?

“Today the system detects the implement and controls depth, pressure, etc. from a prescription or adjustment made from Operations Center mobile. The system does not detect jamming or blockage via the camera system.”

If the autonomous system cannot “see” or monitor the implement, how does the system handle potential errors or malfunctions related to the implement?

“Autonomy compatible tractors have many other sensors on the machine that can be used to detect malfunctions. Sensors such as temperature, pressure, load, wheel slip and position sensors all play a role in making sure the machine is operating at peak performance. These sensors can also help to detect incremental loads on the machine that could imply a blockage or plug. Today these are used with thresholds to detect potential issues.”

The launch of the second-generation perception system will take place later in 2025.

How well does the autonomous system perform if GPS signals are lost? What alternative sensors or technologies does the system rely on to navigate in such situations?

“The system requires our latest Starfire 7500 receiver to maximise signal strength with our Sf-RTK signal and connectivity. The system is also able to use Radio RTK signal for areas that for some reason may have satellite signal issues. The autonomous solution is also compatible with our new JDLink Boost system for areas with low cellular connectivity for relaying data and commands from the operator.”

Farmers can remotely track the 9RX tractor via their smartphones. What are the key features of this tracking technology, and can farmers also use their smartphones to troubleshoot certain issues remotely?

“Farmers will leverage John Deere Operations Center mobile to monitor and run the tractor. Farmers use Operations Center mobile to start the autonomous tillage operation. The tractor must be driven to the field by the farmer and stopped inside the recorded field boundary. Then the farmer will do a calibration from the cab and toggle Autonomy on within the display.”

“Then the farmer can exit the cab and swipe to start the tillage operation from their phone. Alerts and video feed are available to the farmer in Operations Center mobile. The farmer will also receive any diagnostic alerts via Operations Center mobile for any stoppages with the system. The Operations Center also allows them to make adjustments to the autonomous unit remotely to optimise performance and field finish.”

Could you provide more information about the smart implements that John Deere currently offers or plans to offer for autonomous tractors?

“Today select MY17 and newer tillage tools are compatible. Autonomy Ready tillage tools come equipped from the factory with a receiver mast, harnessing, lighting package and TruSet. A customer will just have to add a universal StarFire 7500 Receiver to hook it to an autonomous tractor to implement autonomous tillage.”

Is the 9RX autonomous system capable of manoeuvring in reverse on headlands?

“Yes, the autonomous perception system is capable of backing the tractor and implement into corners or to route around an obstacle in the field.”

Farmers can swipe to start the tillage operation from their phone.

What are the maximum working speeds achievable with the 9RX tractor range?

“The maximum speed of the autonomous tractor today is 14mph (16.1 kms) or whatever the top-rated speed of the tillage tool. The system will be limited to the lesser of the two.”

Could you share an approximate price range for the MY25 high-horsepower 9RX models, the autonomous option and the perception system?

“We have not released pricing information of the second-generation perception system as it was revealed at CES. We are looking to launch later in 2025. It is best for customers to work with their local John Deere dealer for pricing of the autonomous ready 9RX tractor as there are several different options and features.”