John Deere announced the release of the next generation perception system, a precision upgrade kit for select tractor models that brings autonomy to tillage work. This system is available as a precision upgrade for model year 2022 and newer 9R and 9RX tractors and model year 2020 and newer 8R and 8RX tractors. Select model year 2025 Deere tractors are autonomy-ready from the factory.
“We have been working with test customers for five years to bring an autonomous solution to the market,” said Christopher Murray, Deere go-to-market manager for embedded technology. “Autonomy helps farmers hit their ideal operating window by extending their working day and freeing up labor so they can complete additional tasks, particularly during busy times of the year. Whether they need to get to planting in the spring or tillage after harvest, having an autonomous option helps allocate labor to higher-value tasks.”
The new perception system includes 16 cameras mounted to the tractor cab roof that allows for a complete 360-degree view around the tractor and the tillage tool. To add autonomy to the tillage tool, precision upgrade kits are available for 2017 and newer John Deere tillage implements with additional lighting, StarFire receiver mast, and harnessing. The autonomy-ready solutions are factory installed in base for select MY25 tillage tools.
Deere has integrated its autonomy solution into existing precision ag technologies used by farmers today. Deere autonomy uses technology such as AutoPath, AutoTrac Turn Automation, and John Deere Operations Center Mobile.
“Customer feedback has lauded the value of this technology, extending the workday without putting in additional hours,” Murray said. “With autonomy, farmers can command the tractor and tillage tool to continue working overnight or when they have other high-value tasks to complete. This allows them to finish work in a shortened operating window, increasing their productivity.”
You can learn more about John Deere autonomy at deere.com/autonomy.
EDITOR’S TAKE:
It is truly amazing to look back at my childhood growing up on a dairy/hog farm and what we had for equipment and compare it to what is being used today. It was inconceivable back then to think about a tractor and planter working in the field overnight while we slept in our beds. All of the modern advancements are predicated on global positioning systems (GPS). Without GPS we would not have variable rate technologies for application, and it would not be possible to have self-driving equipment without GPS to guide it. That said, once GPS was in place it opened the world of agriculture to so many new developments that will continue to develop and evolve into the future.
It might be interesting for you and the local John Deere equipment dealer to team up for a demonstration of these new technologies. You could help invite customers and advertise the event. At the same time, perhaps you could park a few of your “high tech” vehicles on or near the event – especially the new AGwagon! If you want to learn more about the new AGwagon, be sure to visit our certifiedagdealer.com website or give Fred Osborn on our team a call.
