Worldwide adoption of precision farming technologies will be needed to meet a needed 70% increase in food production by 2050, according to research from Goldman Sachs.
The term artificial intelligence, or AI, as it relates to agriculture, is often equated with other trending technologies like autonomous equipment and field sensors. But AI-based equipment is distinct in that rather than being programed to perform a function, it’s being designed to interpret data pulled from the field, act on it and teach itself best practices in the process.
Widespread availability of fully autonomous vehicles in agriculture is probably several years away. But in recent years, companies have publicly showcased self-driving innovations, advancing development to the cusp of commercial production.
Widespread availability of fully autonomous vehicles in agriculture may still be several years away. But in recent years, companies have publicly showcased self-driving innovations, advancing development to the cusp of commercial production.
Technology is now evolving toward full autonomy. Master-and-slave (or follow-me) systems are being tested, enabling one driver to guide a fleet, thus boosting the driver’s productivity. Next will come manned yet fully autonomous tractors.
Fully autonomous vehicles in agriculture are likely still several years away, but there also may be a simpler, more efficient pathway to extending the life of farm machinery, while also improving performance.
Anticipation mixed with a little anxiety as to how soon autonomous vehicles will be roaming farm fields in North America continues to build. Some experts and manufacturers forecast that within the next 3 years, the autonomous industry will begin to take shape in agriculture.
In a report issued on Sept. 4, following the introduction of Case IH and New Holland’s concept autonomous tractors at the Farm Progress Show on Aug. 30., Tractica expects rapid growth of driverless farm vehicles starting about 2020.
As our staff prepares for the 2016 Farm Progress Show, I’m always particularly interested in seeing what precision innovations companies unveil. It’s worth following the evolution of new technologies, some of which succeed as mainstream systems, while others are perhaps ahead of their time. One concept which falls in the latter category is autonomous equipment.
In the latest newscast we look at what the latest Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture Ag Economy Barometer reveals, how John Deere’s quarterly sales were down but operating profit was up, what’s driving autonomous equipment in ag, how the Hagie deal is helping one Iowa John Deere dealer and the latest earnings report from Titan Machinery.
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There was plenty of technology on display at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wis., a few weeks ago. Farm Equipment editor Mike Lessiter caught up with Monarch Tractor’s John Issacson and got his take on the top 5 applications in autonomy right now.