The future for farming could hinge on a farm operation run by one switched on computer techno as Case IH reveals the autonomy and automation it plans to bring to agriculture
Case IH has revealed a growing portfolio of ag technology solutions available in a workday that doesn’t include an onboard operator.
But instead, all farm machines will be controlled by a computer techno running the operation from the comfort of a fully air-conditioned office, overseeing every aspect through the full farming cycle from planting to harvest.
And so it was to pass, the CNH Industrial Tech Days held in Phoenix USA have unveiled milestone innovations including an autonomous tillage solution and an electric tractor prototype.
Pete McCann, General Manager Case IH Australia/New Zealand is keen to be part of the spearhead that takes these innovations on, and said, “These latest developments, revealed in the US, would be a good fit for the local market and benefit the business priorities of Australian and New Zealand farmers.
“As challenges like the demand for labour continue to press our industry, the evolution of technology solutions will become increasingly important and deliver real savings and efficiencies where they’re needed most,” Pete observed.
Advanced farming methods the Tech Days revealed
Get ready for Driverless Tillage Solution as Case IH builds on its tractor and tillage platforms with Raven Autonomy to deliver an autonomous tillage solution, no onboard operator required, just leave it to the computer techno.
Raven Autonomy technology now boast the most advanced perception and sensing system. See the rise and rise of raven here, until the CNH Industrial bid of a cool US$2.1 billion bought Raven under their fold, here.
Additionally, this driverless tillage solution uses AFS Soil Command tillage automation for ultimate agronomic and machine control of the implement.
It provides site-specific tillage prescriptions to deliver the right soil management practice for every patch of soil. The result is increased productivity with consistent agronomic performance and richer data insights.
Controlling all farm machines under the one operation is possible with the Driver Assist Harvest Solution. This is a big operation saver as one person runs the full harvest compliment of machines.
The Case IH advanced driver assist harvest solution is able to synchronises combine and tractor functionality.
Built from Raven Autonomy technology, this union of combined machines allows the one person to coordinate the path and speed of the tractor during an “unload on the go” operation while it keeps the tractor perfectly in sync with the combine when unloading.
This system allows a skilled farmer to run a harvesting operation on his own using automated processes to reduce the need for additional labour at harvest, and Case IH adds the notion there is less fatigue and less spilled grain associated with this autonomous process.
Also gaining a big smile from Case IH bean counters was the Electric Tractor Prototype that is being developed by parent company CNH Industrial.
It is expected the first commercial model released by CNH Industrial will be Case IH badged. And will be offered as a zero-emissions farming solution with fully autonomous options for operation.
And as this electric tractor prototype was being unveiled, the penny dropped, this is why CNH Industrial bank-rolled an estimated $300 million collaboration of sorts with electrified ag innovator, Monarch Tractor.
Commercialisation for the electric tractor solution will be announced at a later date.
Case IH intends to lead the charge
Scott Harris, Global President for Case IH explained the company’s position. “The world has reached a turning point, resulting in a clear need for farmers and the industry to increase productivity.
“Case IH is responding to that need with technological, machine and method process advances throughout the value chain.
“We believe these developments are the foundation of a healthier, sustainable and more-productive farming ecosystem,” Scott Harris added.
The Case IH pipeline of innovations expected to be rolled out, includes:
- Continuing to advance precision and agronomic technologies, helping farmers reduce nutrients and product applications as well as water usage – to support a cleaner world.
- Advancing alternative propulsion solutions to enhance the sustainability of farming – through aggressive developments in Electrification and co-development with Monarch Tractor.
- Rapidly innovating to meet the labour challenges farmers face across the globe, delivering functional automation and leading to a future of full autonomy.
- Expanding its digital technology suite with comprehensive development, such as seamless cloud-enabled data transfer and consolidation, mobile app and portal developments, and more.
“We know the challenges our customers face, and we are developing solutions based on their needs,” Scott continued.
“We must challenge ourselves, each other and take on the challenge together of revolutionising farming. Make no mistake, our calling to innovate and enhance production has never been louder in our 180-year history, and we have never been more ready to answer that call,” Scott concluded.
