Some of us love to hate them, the computers in our equipment and vehicles that run them. If you’re one of those folks, you’d better get used to dealing with them, because the trend is for manufacturers to build more computing technology into machines, not less.
In the spring, three major ag equipment manufacturers — John Deere, AGCO and CNH Industrial — announced they have made yet more investments in advancing software and precision ag capabilities for tomorrow’s machines.
John Deere
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CNH plans for “more than 15 new tractor launches, 10 combine launches, 19 crop production launches and over 30 precision technology releases between now and the end of 2027.”
In April, John Deere revealed it had entered into a joint venture with GUSS Automation (GUSS stands for Global Unmanned Spray System), a California-based semi-autonomous sprayer manufacturer, which has been selling semi-autonomous sprayers to orchard and vineyard operators in that state.
“Deere and GUSS are both committed to investing in innovation and technology to help farmers be more productive and profitable while growing more food using fewer resources,” said Chris Davison, director of small tractor and high-value crop production systems at John Deere.
GUSS says several of its sprayers can be operated simultaneously under the supervision of a single person. The machines can also control application rates and speeds across entire fields and in variable terrain with adjustable software parameters, making them self-sufficient.
While Deere hasn’t released too many specifics about just what the joint venture will entail, it has said Deere will help GUSS “further collaborate with the Deere sales channel, and GUSS will continue its innovation and product development to best serve customers.” That seems to suggest Deere dealers will be retailing the sprayers. They would make a nice complement to the autonomous 8R tractors the brand will offer this year.
Prior to Deere’s acquisition last year of Bear Flag Robotics, which developed the technology inside the autonomous 8R tractors, Bear Flag had been successfully selling autonomous tractors in California — that region seems particularly suited for early adoption of autonomous equipment.
Deere says GUSS will retain its current employees, brand name and trademark, and continue to operate from its current location. GUSS employees, customers and business partners should notice little change in daily operations resulting from the joint venture. It isn’t a corporate buyout — at least not yet.
AGCO
AGCO announced in May it had purchased JCA Industries, which is a Winnipeg-based tech firm that has been developing and supplying autonomous software for agricultural machines as well as implement controls and electronic system components. It is already a supplier of those systems to OEMs (original equipment manufacturers).
“The purchase of JCA is another important addition to our precision agriculture capabilities,” said Eric Hansotia, AGCO’s chairman, president and CEO. “JCA is one of the most advanced developers of autonomous machine technologies for off-road OEMs, and this acquisition will accelerate AGCO’s delivery of machine automation and autonomous systems that improve farmer productivity.”
CNH Industrial
And, finally, CNH Industrial, parent company of Case IH, New Holland and Raven Technologies, said in late March it opened a new engineering centre in Scottsdale, Ariz. It will support the future growth of the Raven precision agriculture technology business as it develops new digital solutions.
“Our industries are undergoing a significant tech transformation and CNH Industrial wants to attract a growing talent pool of engineers and digitally focused professionals that will shape this future,” said Kevin Barr, chief human resources officer at CNH. “Our new Scottsdale hub will be an attractive, dynamic and innovative workplace where we will accelerate progress in the digital, automation and autonomous spaces.”
CNH also intends to expand Raven’s existing Innovation Campus in Baltic, S.D., so the facility can house more development and testing activities.
“Our integration with Raven is rapidly accelerating technology delivery to customers,” said Parag Garg, chief digital officer at CNH. “It allows our engineering teams to efficiently go from ‘code to cab’ to develop and deploy new technologies. These sites combined with our existing activities will reinforce our commitment to have engineers work closely with our customers.”
