Continental shows smart farming tech at Agritechnica

Continental is developing platform concepts for robots that can be used in fields, among other places, for instance as part of a larger fleet.

Robot to perform numerous tasks

This robotic equipment carrier, which can be fitted modularly for agricultural purposes, operates autonomously and can be used with the appropriate attachments to perform numerous tasks, such as monitoring the growth process of plants, precise weeding, or systematically sowing seeds and delivering nutrients.

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Sensor and camera applications from Continental enable drones and robots to collect extensive data on the condition of fields and crops. – Photos: Continental

“Camera-based, multispectral, or thermographic sensors are particularly important for monitoring plant growth or soil conditions. In this context, we have the camera, radar and LIDAR know-how necessary for the safe operation of autonomous vehicles in the field,” says Continental.

Telematics hardware

To connect vehicles to the external environment – such as the cloud, other vehicles, or the surrounding infrastructure – Continental offers telematics hardware that is already designed to be compatible with the new 5G communications technology as well as the resources required to program the interfaces and software.

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The smart variable-speed belt transmits condition-related data to the Continental cloud.

ProViu 360 surround view system

According to Continental, the second generation of the intelligent ProViu 360 surround view system is a solution that already demonstrates the future potential of smart agricultural machines today.

Scheduled to be released in 2020, the digital camera system will provide the driver with a panoramic bird’s eye view of the machine in HD resolution on a touch display.

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The second generation of the intelligent ProViu 360 surround view system will provide the driver with a panoramic bird’s eye view of the machine in HD resolution on a touch display.

Radar or tire pressure data

At a later stage, ProViu 360 will become intelligent, allowing valuable additional information such as radar or tire pressure data to be fed into the system. Markings, pictograms, and written information will be imposed directly onto the camera image, creating an augmented reality experience that can be viewed on the display.

For example, the system can display information about the condition of the vehicle, such as tire pressure, as well as obstacles on the ground.

Intelligent tire

At Agritechnica, Continental will unveil its VF TractorMaster Hybrid at Agritechnica. The intelligent tire is equipped with VF technology and sensors and continuously measures and monitors the tire pressure and temperature. This is to increase productivity, yield, and operator comfort while reducing fuel consumption, tire wear, and downtime and maintenance costs.

In addition to tires, rubber tracks with integrated sensor technology will also be on display at Agritechnica.

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The intelligent tire is equipped with VF technology and sensors and continuously measures and monitors the tire pressure and temperature.

Monitor belts in combine harvesters

In the future, sensor technology will also make it possible to permanently monitor belts in combine harvesters, thereby improving the operational reliability of agricultural machinery.

Sensors are to ensure that potential malfunctions are detected before they occur. Continental is testing the digital belt concept together with Claas.