New Holland has taken a significant leap forward in agricultural technology with the introduction of its IntelliSense automation system for baling, designed to enhance efficiency and ease the burden on operators. This innovative solution employs a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor that scans the swath in front of the tractor, allowing the software to take over steering and adjust driving speed automatically. Unlike traditional GPS systems, which rely heavily on satellite signals, IntelliSense focuses on real-time data about the swath’s position and thickness, ensuring a more tailored approach to baling operations.
The IntelliSense system aims to relieve drivers of the continuous manual steering required during baling, thereby maximizing productivity and ensuring more uniform bale filling. During a recent demonstration in Saxony-Anhalt, East Germany, New Holland showcased the capabilities of this technology across expansive fields filled with straw, but it is also adaptable for smaller operations in regions like the Benelux, where grass and hay baling is common.
The setup for IntelliSense automation is relatively straightforward. All essential components are mounted on the tractor’s roof, including a mounting bracket, wiring harness, LiDAR controller box, and the sensor itself. The LiDAR sensor, a Sick MRS1000, is a widely used technology that measures distance using laser pulses. In this application, it scans an area 6 to 8 meters in front of the tractor to assess the thickness and position of the swath, facilitating a seamless baling experience.
To activate the system, an operator must first steer the tractor into the swath manually. Once in position, they can engage the automation with a simple button press on the driving lever. From that point, the tractor takes control of both steering and speed, allowing the operator to focus on other aspects of the work. As the tractor approaches the end of the field, a notification appears on the display, prompting the driver to regain control.
Before using IntelliSense, operators need to input two critical settings: the maximum driving speed for the tractor and the desired thickness of straw packages to be compressed into bales. This customization ensures that the system operates within the parameters suited to the specific baling task.
The technology is not only about convenience; it also ensures operational safety and efficiency. IntelliSense continuously monitors the baler’s performance through two force-sensing pins located in the plunger. These sensors provide real-time feedback to the software, allowing it to adjust the driving speed based on the thickness of the swath. This feature is particularly beneficial when dealing with compressed swaths from axial-flow combine harvesters, as it prevents overloading the baler while maximizing its capacity.
For those interested in retrofitting existing equipment, New Holland offers IntelliSense automation as both a factory option and a retrofit kit. The retrofit kit includes all necessary components and operates via Isobus Class III, enabling seamless communication between the baler and the tractor. However, it is important to note that this system is compatible only with CNHi tractors and balers, including New Holland, Case IH, and Steyr models. Specific requirements include a continuously variable transmission, GPS steering with Isobus connection, and Isobus Class 3 enablement for tractors, while balers need to be from model year 2022 or newer and equipped with a weighing device.
With a retrofit kit priced at €14,000, IntelliSense automation is geared towards operators who regularly bale large volumes. The technology promises to transform the baling process by allowing operators to work more efficiently and comfortably, reducing the physical demands of the task. As the agricultural sector increasingly turns to automation to enhance productivity, New Holland’s IntelliSense system represents a significant step toward a more autonomous future in farming.