Vision-based retrofit autosteer systems are rapidly gaining traction in agriculture, offering a reliable, high-precision alternative to traditional GPS-guided systems. These innovative systems use cameras, artificial intelligence, and advanced image processing to navigate rows, avoid obstacles, and optimize field operations, all without relying on RTK or GNSS signals. This makes them particularly valuable in GPS-denied environments, such as under tree canopies, in mountainous terrain, or remote areas with poor connectivity.
The technology behind these systems allows them to identify and track crop rows, detect weeds, and adjust for irregular planting patterns. This level of precision is something traditional systems often struggle with, leading to reduced crop damage, more consistent coverage, and even higher operating speeds. For instance, John Deere’s AutoTrac Vision system enables up to a 20% increase in spraying speeds while maintaining precise row alignment in corn, soybeans, and cotton during post-emergence operations.
The market for vision-based autosteer systems is expanding rapidly, with more companies launching affordable and easy-to-install kits. This competition is driving innovation and reducing costs, making the technology more accessible to small and mid-sized farms. These systems are highly versatile, compatible with a wide range of crops, and can be retrofitted to most tractors. They are used in various applications, including planting, spraying, harvesting, and weeding.
One standout example is FarmX’s OrchardPilot, which delivers sub-inch accuracy without the need for GPS or internet, even under dense canopies. Bonsai Robotics has also made significant strides with its Visionsteer system, designed to thrive in harsh conditions like dust, darkness, debris, and uneven terrain. Their technology, deployed in U.S. and Australian tree nut orchards, demonstrates the growing international reach and robustness of vision-guided systems.
Bonsai Robotics, based in California, has recently announced plans to accelerate the commercialization of its Visionsteer system. This system can navigate in GNSS-denied locations without cellular or internet connectivity, making it ideal for challenging farming environments. The company’s AI-first approach allows farm vehicles to traverse orchards faster than machinery operated by people, offering data insights, crop analysis, notifications, job planning, and autonomous vehicle control. Bonsai Robotics has partnered with multiple equipment manufacturers and has deployed over 40 units for tree nut orchard applications in the U.S. and Australia. Earlier this year, the company raised $15 million in Series A funding to enhance its software capabilities, expand its platform, and accelerate commercialization efforts.
Another notable player is FarmX, which recently introduced OrchardPilot. This comprehensive, vision-based autonomous robotics platform is designed for both standalone use and seamless integration with existing systems. The first release of OrchardPilot delivers autosteer functionality specifically for orchard growers, compatible with all tractor makes and models, and can be installed in just one day. Future releases will introduce advanced features such as speed control, smart implement control, and full autonomy. FarmX’s autonomy platform leverages feature-based navigation, providing highly accurate navigation within 2 inches of precision without requiring any external connectivity during operation.
John Deere’s AutoTrac Vision system has also been a game-changer, utilizing a monocular front-mounted camera to detect crop rows and autonomously guide the vehicle through standing crops. This system minimizes crop damage by precisely maintaining row alignment, leading to less crop damage and higher yields. The system allows for increased spraying speeds, translating to a 20% improvement in daily field coverage.
Raven Industries has developed the VSN Visual Guidance system, which uses state-of-the-art image sensors and processing technologies to deliver quick response and control. This system maintains row guidance at industry-required spraying speeds without the use of mechanical feelers, resulting in less crop damage and more acres covered each day. The system is versatile and has been validated for use in crops such as corn, soybeans, cotton, and sorghum.
Turkish company MOVE ON has also entered the market with its AI-driven retrofit vision-based steering system, designed to enhance precision farming and improve operational efficiency. The company has discontinued production of its TAS GPS autosteer system and is now focusing on AI-driven retrofit steering kits equipped with a camera.
As more companies enter the space with affordable, easy-to-install kits, competition is driving rapid innovation. Vision-based autosteer is no longer just a high-tech curiosity – it’s quickly becoming a vital tool for farms seeking to boost efficiency, reduce labor dependency, and maximize yields in an increasingly data-driven agricultural landscape.