At CES 2025, John Deere unveiled a suite of new autonomous machines aimed at transforming the agriculture, construction, and commercial landscaping industries. Building on the autonomous technology first introduced at CES 2022, the company showcased its second-generation autonomy kit, which integrates advanced computer vision, artificial intelligence, and a network of cameras to navigate complex environments. This innovation comes at a time when all three sectors face significant labor shortages—challenges that Deere aims to address through automation.
Jahmy Hindman, Chief Technology Officer at John Deere, emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that the American Farm Bureau Federation estimates approximately 2.4 million farm jobs need to be filled annually. In the construction sector, 88% of contractors report difficulty in finding skilled labor, while 86% of landscaping business owners struggle with similar issues. “Our agriculture, construction, and commercial landscaping customers all have work that must get done at certain times of the day and year, yet there is not enough available and skilled labor to do the work,” Hindman explained. He pointed out that the expanded autonomy technology not only benefits customers but also supports the broader community that relies on their services for food, fuel, and infrastructure.
Among the highlighted machines was the Autonomous 9RX Tractor, designed for large-scale agricultural operations. Equipped with 16 cameras for a comprehensive 360-degree view, this tractor allows farmers to step away during critical tillage periods, enabling them to focus on other essential tasks. The improved system also enhances depth calculation, allowing for faster operations with larger equipment. Another innovation, the Autonomous 5ML Orchard Tractor, is tailored for air blast spraying in orchards, addressing the challenges posed by dense canopies. This model will initially feature a diesel engine, with plans for a battery-electric version to follow.
In the construction realm, the 460 P-Tier Autonomous Articulated Dump Truck (ADT) is set to revolutionize quarry operations, handling the repetitive task of material transport efficiently. For commercial landscaping, the autonomous battery electric mower brings similar technological advancements, utilizing a scaled-down version of the camera technology used in other Deere machines to achieve 360-degree coverage.
John Deere’s cloud-based Operations Center Mobile platform will manage these machines, allowing users to start operations with a simple swipe, access real-time data, and receive alerts regarding job quality or machine health. This integration of technology provides customers with multiple pathways to adopt autonomy based on their current capabilities and needs.
The machines will be on display at John Deere’s CES booth from January 7-10, 2025, where the company will also participate in panel discussions addressing the role of technology in agriculture and beyond. As John Deere continues to innovate, the implications of these autonomous machines extend beyond operational efficiency; they represent a significant step toward addressing labor shortages and enhancing productivity across critical industries.
