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The future with autonomy is exciting, but how ready are you? How John Deere’s tools and technology can help you prepare for fully autonomous farming.
Imagine having a tractor that not only thinks but sees. A tractor that is always ready to work and never turns up late! A tractor that allows you to get on with other jobs that keep your farm running and ultimately, giving you more time for the things that matter. Well, this is a future that is not so far away for Australia. Autonomous tractors are already operating commercially in the US, with the fully autonomous 8R released in January 2022. Operating in tillage, the autonomous 8R has provided immense value to farmers who have adopted the model, offering precision and consistency with reduced human error and labour costs.
While John Deere’s first fully autonomous tractor currently focuses on tillage, the company aims to have a fully autonomous fleet in the US by 2030. This fleet will enable a full production system for corn and soybean producers, which Australia will also eventually see. These machines will be capable of performing a wide range of tasks, from planting and harvesting to monitoring crop health and soil conditions. Equipped with advanced sensors and
technologies, they will be able to make real-time decisions, optimising every aspect of farm management.
The environmental benefits are also significant. Autonomous tractors can operate with greater precision, reducing the need for excessive use of fertilisers and pesticides. This not only lowers costs but also minimises the environmental impact.
In addition, the integration of autonomous tractors will help address labour shortages in the agricultural sector. With fewer people available to work on farms, these machines can take over repetitive and labour-intensive tasks, allowing farmers to focus on more high-value activities. As we look towards this exciting future, it’s clear autonomous tractors will play a pivotal role in transforming agriculture.
Why you need to be ready:
While the future of farming with autonomous tractors is undeniably exciting, it also requires preparation to ensure
a smooth transition. There are steps to ensure everyone is confident and comfortable by the time autonomy rolls out. Autonomous farming is not something that can be confidently jumped into without proper groundwork. Appropriate internet infrastructure is essential, as well as a foundational understanding of the technological features used to operate the machine autonomously.
John Deere uses SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network to supplement LTE coverage and all connected vehicles are also equipped with Deere’s JDLink LTE modems. Starlink terminals can be installed directly on the machines and will be used if the machine cannot reach a tower with LTE connection. This factory installation is an option we will start to see in the future. Additionally, StarFire™ receivers use the StarFire GPS system to ensure precise positioning for accurate field operations. Together, these connections allow autonomous operations and are crucial for a fully autonomous future.
A fully autonomous tractor integrates all of technology features we currently have- just without a driver in the seat. Pairs of stereo cameras are implemented on the front, back and sides for 360-degree monitoring. Technologies like Boundaries, AutoPath, AutoTrac and Work Planner are what run the machine, and it is managed out of the same app – Operations Center- so becoming familiar with these technological features is essential for a smooth transition.
CHECKLIST OF WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREPARE
Integrated Solutions Manager, Hamish Ross, says “While the autonomous tractor is still a little while away off reaching Australia, if this is something you see value in, spend the money on getting ready now. There are so many technologies out there already that you can adopt and become familiar with now to smooth the transition.”
- Boundaries: Digital boundaries are virtual maps of farm fields created using GPS with Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) correction for precise accuracy. These boundaries help machines recognise their location, plan tasks, and serve as geofences for autonomous farming. By using digital boundaries, farmers can automate record-keeping, enhance decision-making, and optimise field operations. This technology is essential for the effective operation of autonomous farming machinery, enabling features
like automated turning and section control. Implementing digital boundaries now prepares farmers for the future of fully autonomous farming, ensuring seamless integration and improved efficiency.
- Autopath: John Deere software, AutoPath™, is used to create precise path plans which significantly improves farm productivity and performance through one of the two following methods:
- AutoPath Rows: John Deere AutoPath™ (rows) uses StarFire receivers to create precise guidance lines from crop row data collected during planting or tillage. AutoPath (rows) simplifies managing guidance lines, reducing time and effort, and ensures equipment follows the planted rows accurately, reducing crop damage. By using AutoPath now, farmers can benefit from automated turning, section control and optimised machine performance, enhancing efficiency and preparing their operations for future autonomous farming technologies.
- AutoPath Boundaries:AutoPath (boundaries) creates a single plan for an entire field, including headlands, based on boundaries.This simplifies setup, reduces overlaps, and ensures efficient field operations. By adopting AutoPath (boundaries) now, farmers can streamline their workflow and create a structured environment that is essential for the successful integration of
autonomous tractors
- AutoTrac: AutoTrac™ is an assisted steering system by John Deere that automates tractor guidance, reducing operator fatigue and increasing efficiency. It ensures precise field operations, minimising overlaps and skips, which leads to better input utilisation and crop yields. AutoTrac also supports features like automated end-of-pass turns, enhancing productivity and consistency. When combined with AutoPath™, which creates accurate guidance lines based on crop row data collected
during planting or tillage, AutoTrac™ can steer the tractor precisely along these rows. A fully autonomous tractor runs using a combination of these technologies, therefore, a thorough understanding and solid experience with AutoTrac will make you feel comfortable and confident when transitioning to a fully autonomous operation.
- Work planner and Operations Center: John Deere’s Work Planner is a tool that allows farmers to schedule and manage field operations efficiently. It integrates seamlessly with the John Deere Operations Center™, a farm management platform that stores and analyses data from various field activities. By using Work Planner, farmers can create detailed plans for planting, spraying, and harvesting, which are then executed by their equipment. This integration ensures that all operations are precisely coordinated and monitored, reducing errors and improving efficiency. Autonomous tractors will operate using these tools, so using them now is beneficial for gaining an understanding and preparing for advanced automation in agriculture
Read more about John Deere’s latest Autonomy releases here.
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