The Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation (AEF) is set to host its fall Plugfest in Marienfeld, Germany, from September 8 to 12, 2025. This biannual event, held at the Hotel-Residence Klosterpforte, will bring together hundreds of top software engineers from around the world to advance the interoperability of precision agriculture technology.
The Plugfest serves as a critical platform for engineers to test their ISOBUS products for compatibility with those from competing manufacturers. In a speed-dating-like format, engineers will conduct up to 48 different tests in 30-minute timeslots over three consecutive days. This rigorous testing process aims to ensure seamless compatibility and identify areas for improvement, ultimately benefiting farmers by enhancing the performance and reliability of agricultural equipment.
A significant highlight of this year’s Plugfest is the introduction of the Agricultural Interoperability Network (AgIN) Demonstration. For the first time, the AgIN’s interoperability environment will be tested to identify any remaining issues or necessary adjustments before the November Agritechnica event. At Agritechnica, the first use case for sharing machine data will be demonstrated through the display of telemetry data from assets of different brands. Developers from AgIN participant companies will collaborate directly with the AEF AgIN development team to ensure a stable and effective network.
Another key feature of this year’s Plugfest is the HSI Discovery Station, where engineers will test the compatibility of various products in the transition to High Speed ISOBUS (HSI) and Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6). The HSI Discovery Station will focus on several critical areas, including command and control, diagnostics, gateway functionality, and cameras and monitors. Successful testing in these areas will enhance the precision and performance of ISOBUS functions, reduce troubleshooting effort and time to repair, and improve interoperability between monitors and cameras.
The implications of the Plugfest are far-reaching for the agricultural industry. By ensuring reliable implement control, real-time camera and monitor integration, advanced tractor-implement management, and effective diagnostics, the event plays a pivotal role in advancing the next generation of agricultural technology. As David Smart, retired senior staff engineer and John Deere Fellow, and the AEF HSI Team Leader, noted, “Plugfests serve as critical proving grounds for next generation technology, ensuring reliable implement control, real-time camera and monitor integration, advanced tractor implement management, and effective diagnostics.”
The AEF Plugfest has been a cornerstone event since its inception in 2001, attracting major manufacturers such as AGCO, CNH Industrial, CLAAS, John Deere, Kubota, KUHN, and SAME DEUTZ-FAHR, among others. The event’s success lies in its ability to bring together industry leaders to test and refine their products, ensuring compatibility and driving innovation in precision agriculture.
For those interested in participating or observing the AEF activities, registration is open. AEF membership is required for participant registration, while visitor registration is available to those who wish to observe the activities without participating in testing. The Plugfest offers a unique opportunity for industry professionals to collaborate, share insights, and contribute to the future of agricultural technology.