The machinery manufacturer Kubota showcased its new development at a meeting in Spain: a kit that allows tractors to operate autonomously.

This technology comes from a French startup with which Kubota has formed a partnership. The system is still in development, and Kubota anticipates it will take another two to five years before the kit, which can fit various tractor models, is available for purchase.

Kubota demonstrated the autonomy kit on an M7004 tractor. The kit should work with any tractor model, as long as it is equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), an RTK GPS steering system, and TIM (Tractor Implement Management). In the demonstration on the new M7004 series, the tractor drives autonomously in a parking area, with the hitch and PTO (power take-off) operating automatically.

The entire setup is mounted on the roof, consisting of one module for precision, one for safety, cameras around the vehicle, and two Lidar sensors. The kit includes a remote control that allows users to initiate work. The roof bracket is also equipped with lights, which indicate the tractor’s status through color: yellow lights mean the autonomous tractor is ready to start, and blue lights signal that it is in operation.

For now, the tractor can only drive forward, so it cannot yet turn around at the headland. The goal is for the tractor to be able to reverse in the future, which will require adding additional Lidar sensors to monitor the rear.

Kubota has also made moves in the precision agriculture space with their acquisition of Bloomfield Robotics Inc., which specializes in agricultural imaging and analysis. Bloomfield uses advanced imaging and artificial intelligence to monitor the health and performance of individual plants.

The Pittsburgh-based company presents its collected data in a single place for growers to track throughout the growing season. Its service supports growers across seven countries and three continents.

Kubota North America, a subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Kubota Corp., said this strategic move aligns with its commitment to providing innovative systems for the agriculture industry. The Grapevine, Texas-based unit manufactures and sells a range of machinery, including tractors, construction equipment, lawn and garden equipment, and hay tools to the North American market. 

“We are excited to announce the acquisition of Bloomfield Robotics, a natural evolution of our successful partnership through Kubota’s support of open innovation,” stated M. Brett McMickell, chief technology officer of Kubota North America. “Combining AI-driven technology with our legacy quality products will enable Kubota to solve real issues facing agriculture. This acquisition is a key milestone for Kubota’s strategic vision to provide comprehensive smart agriculture solutions.”

To learn more about the future of automation of off-highway vehicles such as mining equipment, hear keynote speeches about the latest innovations in the field, and visit a wide array of exhibitors, book your tickets to the DZOM EXPO, taking place at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Centre in Chicago, IL, on December 3–4, 2024.

For more information, visit our website or email us at info@innovatrix.eu for the event agenda.

Source:

Future Farming 

The Robot Report