Dutch arable farmer Gert Sterenborg in the north of the Netherlands has taken a significant step towards the future of farming by testing an unmanned autonomous tractor on his farm. Equipped with the iQuus Autonomy system, this innovative technology is set to revolutionize the agricultural industry.
Sterenborg, along with seven other Dutch farmers, is currently exploring the possibilities and limitations of unmanned autonomous tractors. The project is a collaboration between Dutch company De Bruijn Mechanisatie, iQuus, Wageningen UR, and The National Fieldlab for Precision Farming (NPPL). The farmers are using a Steyr tractor provided by De Bruijn Mechanisatie to conduct their tests.
During the practical test, the iQuus Autonomy system is intentionally limited for safety reasons. A person must always be present near the tractor in the field. However, with input from the NPPL users, the iQuus autonomous system is being adapted for use in open fields for crop farmers, livestock farmers, and field vegetable growers. This includes an adjusted route planning method within fields.
The iQuus Autonomy system includes a standard steering automation system with an RTK-GPS system, vehicle and implement control, and a safety package. The system is connected to the tractor’s Canbus, enabling it to pick up and activate all signals, including speed, lift height, and hydraulics. The safety package consists of a front bumper for collision protection, a LiDAR sensor for obstacle detection and environmental monitoring, and an emergency stop function.
While the Steyr Expert 4130 CVT used for this test does not have the safety package, the iQuus Autonomy system has the potential to enhance safety on unmanned autonomous tractors in the future.
To use the iQuus Autonomy system, farmers must record the route the tractor needs to autonomously follow by driving it with a driver. Profiles can be created for different tasks, including parameters like speed, PTO speeds, lift heights, and positions. However, the system currently does not have sensors or cameras to monitor and control the proper operation of machines and performed tasks.
The iQuus Autonomy system is available for several tractor models, including New Holland, Case, Fendt, and Kubota. The starting price ranges from €15,000 to €80,000, depending on the model and user preferences.
This development in the agricultural industry highlights the increasing importance of automation and autonomous technology. Unmanned autonomous tractors have the potential to revolutionize farming practices, making them more efficient and reducing the need for manual labor. However, it is essential for machinery manufacturers to be prepared for this shift and adapt their products accordingly.
As the world faces challenges such as labor shortages and the need for sustainable farming practices, the integration of unmanned autonomous tractors into agriculture could be a game-changer. Farmers like Gert Sterenborg are at the forefront of this technological revolution, paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable future in the agricultural industry.