In a significant stride towards agricultural automation, researchers from the University of Córdoba have developed a self-driving tractor designed to revolutionize farming practices. This innovative tractor can navigate farm fields autonomously, alleviating the burden of human labor and enhancing efficiency. The project, detailed in a recent news release hosted by Phys.org, involved collaboration with mechanical manufacturing and programming companies to create a robotic tractor capable of operating in woody crop fields.
The autonomous tractor, featured in the journal Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, is equipped with three steering modes, enabling it to drive straight, make turns, and respond to trajectories while seamlessly shifting between modes. Its hybrid steering system offers superior performance as it follows waypoints, making it ideal for precise turns and handling straight sections of fields. The researchers tested the tractor in an olive grove, demonstrating its effectiveness in real-world agricultural settings.
Rubén Sola, one of the researchers, highlighted the uniqueness of their creation, stating, “On the national market, there are some small autonomous vehicles that can be applied to agriculture, but there were none with a tractor’s functionality.” The tractor not only matches the functions of a traditional tractor but also boasts two independent self-leveling axles with steerable wheels, providing more versatile control.
The development of this autonomous tractor comes at a pivotal time for agricultural automation. Modern technology, including autonomous vehicles, innovative robots, and AI-powered systems, holds the potential to transform farming practices. Automation can reduce labor costs and human errors, enhance safety, and boost productivity. Other notable innovations in this field include AI-driven systems to reduce pesticide use, autonomous planters for precision agriculture, and high-tech features to inform fertilization decisions.
However, one of the challenges researchers face is the development of clean-energy electric motors to power agricultural machinery. The University of Córdoba team built their tractor with a diesel and hydraulic propulsion system due to the high power and torque requirements. They noted that current electric motor batteries would struggle to operate for an entire day. Despite this, the tractor’s actuators and hydraulic system can be conveniently controlled using a computer, mobile device, or tablet, proving the viability of automated tractors for agricultural use.
The next step for the researchers is to collaborate with industry leaders to share their technology and promote its commercialization. By doing so, they aim to improve agricultural practices and address the growing challenges posed by our changing climate. Enhanced technology can help farmers work more sustainably and profitably, ensuring a stable global food supply for communities worldwide.
