Agricultural professionals participating in the National Fieldlab for Precision Farming (NPPL) have conducted tests with unmanned autonomous tractors and have found that they are particularly well-suited for monotonous and prolonged soil preparation tasks. These tractors are also useful in situations where two consecutive operations are needed. The tests were conducted on eight NPPL farms, and the results have provided valuable insights into the capabilities and limitations of autonomous tractors.
One of the key findings from the tests is the distinction between autonomous and unmanned tractors. Route planning is crucial for autonomous tractors to operate effectively. The tests revealed that these tractors typically follow a pre-planned or pre-ridden route, which can be challenging when used in open fields. However, manufacturers have been working to address this challenge by developing systems that can be used in various agricultural settings.
The tests involved the use of a Steyr Expert 4130 cvt tractor equipped with an iQuus Control system. This system can turn almost any tractor into an unmanned vehicle, but it requires a person to be present in the cabin or in close proximity to ensure safety. The manufacturer also offers a version with a safety package called iQuus Autonomy, which allows the tractor to perform tasks without supervision under certain conditions.
The tests were conducted on a range of farms, including arable farms, bulb growers, contractors, and a livestock farm. The introduction of autonomous tractors was overseen by NPPL expert Koen van Boheemen, a researcher in Precision Agriculture & Agro Robotics at Wageningen University & Research. Seven farms participated in the tests.
One of the challenges faced during the tests was route planning. Many of the farms already had their own route planning systems in place and were hesitant to relinquish control over this aspect of their operations. However, manufacturers have been working to develop features that allow farmers to create their own route maps, addressing this concern.
The tests also highlighted the distinction between unmanned and autonomous tractors. While the tractors tested were capable of operating without a driver, they still required continuous human presence to ensure safety. Some participants in the tests considered these tractors to be more unmanned than fully autonomous, as they lacked certain self-learning and intelligent features.
Despite these limitations, the tests showed that autonomous tractors have great potential, particularly for tasks such as soil preparation and grassland mulching. The tractors are well-suited for these tasks as they do not require high speeds and can handle simple operations.
Overall, the tests conducted by the NPPL have provided valuable insights into the capabilities and limitations of autonomous tractors. While there are still challenges to overcome, such as route planning and the distinction between unmanned and autonomous, the tests have shown that these tractors have the potential to revolutionize farming operations. The findings from the tests will be discussed further at the World Future Farming Forum on March 21, where experts will explore the impact of the latest technologies, the risks and potentials of AI, and the future of regenerative agriculture.