#Agricultural automation

[lifehackdeliver]

Smart Farms-Background,Principles,Advantages,Disadvantages,Applications,Outlook

Background Smart farms are an innovative agricultural system that integrates information and communication technology with agriculture, aiming to enhance efficiency and productivity compared to traditional farming methods. The need to introduce new technologies and methods in agriculture has become increasingly urgent due to climate change and population growth, necessitating an increase in food production and improved efficiency in crop production.

Principles

Sensors and IoT Technology:

Smart farms utilize various sensors and IoT (Internet of Things) technology to monitor crop growth conditions, soil status, and weather information in real-time. This allows farmers to assess the health of their crops and take necessary actions.

Automation and Robotics:

Smart farms employ automation and robotics to automate farming tasks. Robots perform tasks such as planting, maintenance, and harvesting, while automated systems reduce labor demands and enhance productivity.

Big Data and Artificial Intelligence:

Smart farms use big data and artificial intelligence to predict crop yields and provide optimal growing conditions. This enables farmers to develop efficient production plans and improve crop quality.

Advantages

Increased Productivity:

Smart farms significantly boost productivity through automated and optimized cultivation management. Efficient farming systems reduce work time and increase crop yields.

Resource Conservation:

Smart farms efficiently manage resources such as water, fertilizer, and energy, minimizing waste. Through sensors and data analysis, farmers can predict the exact needs of crops and use resources efficiently.

Improved Quality:

Smart farms enhance crop quality through precise cultivation management and monitoring. By identifying the optimal harvest time and conditions, high-quality agricultural products can be produced.

Disadvantages

High Cost:

Establishing a smart farm requires expensive sensors, robots, and other equipment, leading to high initial investment costs. Maintenance and upgrade costs also need to be considered.

Dependence on Technology:

Smart farms rely heavily on the latest technology, necessitating the ability to adapt to technological changes. Rapid advancements in technology may render implemented systems obsolete quickly.

Applications

Precision Agriculture:

Smart farms offer optimal growing conditions by precisely monitoring crop growth, soil conditions, and weather. This enables farmers to observe crop growth in real-time and take necessary actions.

Automated Agriculture:

Smart farms automate farming tasks using robots and automated equipment. Robots perform tasks such as planting, maintenance, and harvesting, reducing labor demands and enhancing productivity.

Data-Driven Decision Making:

Smart farms use sensor data and big data analysis to predict crop yields and establish optimal production plans. This enables efficient production management for farmers.

Resource Management:

Smart farms efficiently manage resources such as water, fertilizer, and energy, minimizing waste. Through sensors and data analysis, farmers can predict resource usage accurately and allocate resources efficiently.

Outlook Smart farms are bringing about innovative changes in the agricultural sector, contributing to increased efficiency in crop production and minimizing environmental impact. With the further development of sensor technology, big data analysis, and artificial intelligence, smart farms are expected to play a crucial role in leading the future of agriculture.

[agreads]

NEC X invests in AgTech startup VERDI, integrates AI-powered platform with NEC’S CropScope smart farming initiative

[smart2mia]

Ready to farm like never before? Dive into the world of Smart Farming. Discover the secrets to farming smarter and shaping a greener tomorrow! https://www.smartmia.in/

[johndeerecombine]

Automation and Robotics Revolutionizing Harvesting in Agriculture

In modern agriculture, the integration of automation and robotics is transforming how crops are harvested. The utilization of cutting-edge technology, such as automated machinery and robotics, is enhancing efficiency, precision, and sustainability in harvesting operations. This article delves into the significant impact of automation and robotics on agricultural harvesting practices, highlighting its benefits, challenges, and the future outlook.

[iknowicanbutwhy]

12 hour shifts should be illegal. Holy hell.

[jcmarchi]

Four Growers Secures $9M Series A to Revolutionize Greenhouse Farming with AI and Robotics

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/four-growers-secures-9m-series-a-to-revolutionize-greenhouse-farming-with-ai-and-robotics/

Four Growers Secures $9M Series A to Revolutionize Greenhouse Farming with AI and Robotics

Four Growers, a pioneering agtech robotics company, has raised $9 million in a Series A funding round led by Basset Capital, with participation from Ospraie Ag Science, Y Combinator, and other key investors. This funding will propel the production of its flagship GR-100 robotic harvester and expand the company’s global reach across Europe, North America, and Oceania. The announcement signals a major leap in the $40 billion indoor farming market, addressing labor shortages, rising costs, and food waste with groundbreaking technology.

Transforming Greenhouse Agriculture with the GR-100

At the heart of Four Growers’ innovation is the GR-100, an autonomous tomato-harvesting robot that’s setting new benchmarks in efficiency and precision for greenhouse farming. The GR-100 boasts:

5x faster picking speeds than competitors, harvesting up to 43 kilograms per hour of cherry and grape tomatoes.

98% ripeness detection accuracy, powered by eight stereo cameras and advanced AI.

34x faster pathfinding than standard motion planning algorithms, ensuring optimal harvesting paths.

The GR-100 adapts seamlessly to most greenhouse environments, requiring little to no facility modifications, and integrates robust plant analytics for comprehensive yield insights. With features like 24/7 operation, remote monitoring dashboards, and an automated packing cart capable of handling up to 246 kilograms in one session, the GR-100 is redefining what’s possible in greenhouse crop management.

Tackling Global Challenges in Agriculture

For decades, crops like wheat and soy have benefited from automation, driving down costs and boosting production. However, fruits and vegetables, which demand precise handling and skilled labor, have lagged behind. This disparity has led to harvesting costs being up to 15x higher for fruits and vegetables. Compounding the issue, labor shortages often leave crops unharvested, exacerbating food waste.

“While we’ve started with greenhouse tomatoes, which account for 50% of all the fresh tomatoes consumed in the US, our technology has now proven its potential in other crops like cucumbers and will be applied to all fruits and vegetables in both greenhouses and fields,” said Brandon Contino, CEO of Four Growers. “Securing this funding enables us to accelerate the integration of our AI and robotics into agriculture, improving global food production and ensuring sustainable, high-quality, and affordable produce is available for everyone.”

Proven Impact and Growing Market Potential

Four Growers’ technology is already making an impact, with millions of tomatoes harvested and sold through grocery stores worldwide. Partnering with agricultural leaders like Syngenta Vegetable Seeds, the company has demonstrated the scalability and reliability of its AI-powered solutions across customer farms in North America and Europe.

The indoor farming market, valued at $40.51 billion in 2023, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.3% through 2033, according to a study by Fact.MR. This rapid growth underscores the increasing demand for innovative farming solutions amidst labor shortages and operational challenges.

A Visionary Team Backed by Industry Leaders

Founded in Pittsburgh, Four Growers emerged from Y Combinator in 2018 with a vision to revolutionize farming through robotics. Since its inception, the company has secured over $15 million in total funding and eight-figure contracts, thanks to strategic backing from investors such as Better Food Ventures, Taver Capital, Xplorer Capital, and Pete Wurman, co-founder of Kiva Systems.

“From the outset, it was apparent that the Four Growers team had made significant advancements in solving long-standing issues in the agriculture sector,” said John Overbeck of Basset Capital. “Implementation of robotics and AI in agriculture will provide a great opportunity to enhance operations and significantly increase productivity. We are confident that Four Growers will continue to be a leader in this effort.”

Looking Ahead: Scaling Innovation for Global Impact

With this latest funding, Four Growers aims to:

Accelerate production of the GR-100.

Expand its research and development efforts.

Deploy its technology across more regions, focusing on Europe, North America, and Oceania.

Beyond tomatoes, the company plans to adapt its technology to other greenhouse crops like cucumbers and peppers, with ambitions to address field-grown crops in the future. By combining robotics, AI, and advanced analytics, Four Growers is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable, efficient farming solutions.

A Future of Affordable, Sustainable Food

Four Growers’ mission to provide healthy, affordable, and locally sourced produce through robotics is reshaping agriculture. By reducing production costs and food waste, the company is paving the way for a future where nutritious and sustainable food is accessible to everyone.

[uglyandtraveling]

UK Announces 45,000 Seasonal Worker Visas for 2025: What You Need to Know!

Discover the latest updates on UK Worker Visas for 2025, with 45,000 seasonal visas available in agriculture and poultry sectors. Learn eligibility, requirements, and more!

[invertek]

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[farmerstrend]

Why Mushroom Farming is the Next Big Thing: Lessons from Dennis Macharia’s Garden Mushrooms

“Discover how Dennis Macharia transformed his farming venture by pivoting from traditional crops to sustainable mushroom cultivation, overcoming challenges, and building a thriving agribusiness in Kenya.” “Learn how Dennis Macharia built a successful mushroom farm with limited capital, smart reinvestment, and innovative techniques, making gourmet mushrooms accessible to local markets.” “Explore…

[poojagblog-blog]

The global Brushless DC Motor Market is expected to reach USD 17.6 billion by 2028 from USD 12.1 billion in 2023 at a CAGR of 7.9% during the 2023–2028 period according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets™. The increasing adoption of Brushless DC motors is driven by their precise speed control, low maintenance requirements, and high efficiency. Brushless DC motors offer enhanced reliability, reduced electromagnetic interference, and compact designs, making them essential in applications where these attributes are critical, such as in medical devices, aerospace, and automation equipment.

[techdriveplay]

What Is the Future of Robotics in Everyday Life?

As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, many are asking, what is the future of robotics in everyday life? From automated vacuum cleaners to advanced AI assistants, robotics is steadily becoming an integral part of our daily routines. The blending of artificial intelligence with mechanical engineering is opening doors to possibilities that seemed like science fiction just a decade…

[agrinextcon]

Automation in Agriculture: The Future with Automated Greenhouses

Greenhouse farming demands significant labour and expertise to direct complex crop care decisions. At Zordi, we aim to tackle these challenges by integrating AI and robotics into our operations, reducing labour requirements by up to 80%, and autonomously making critical crop care decisions".

Gilwoo Lee, the CEO of Zordi:

Automation is revolutionizing various industries, and agriculture is no exception. The integration of automated systems in farming practices is transforming how we grow, manage, and harvest crops, leading to increased efficiency, sustainability, and productivity. One of the most promising advancements in this field is the development of fully automated greenhouses.In this blog, we delve into the transformative world of automation in agriculture. We'll explore the latest advancements in automated greenhouses, the  many benefits they offer, and present a real life case study from a B2B perspective. 

What is an Automated Greenhouse?

An automated greenhouse uses advanced technologies such as sensors, control systems, and robotics to manage and optimize growing conditions for plants without human intervention. These greenhouses are equipped with systems that control temperature, humidity, light, and water levels to create the ideal environment for plant growth.

Benefits of Automated Greenhouses

Increased Efficiency: 

Automated greenhouses streamline various farming processes, reducing the need for manual labour and minimizing human error. This results in more consistent and higher-quality crop yields.

Resource Optimization:

 These systems optimize the use of resources such as water, nutrients, and energy. Sensors monitor soil moisture and plant health, adjusting irrigation and nutrient delivery accordingly, which conserves resources and reduces waste.

Enhanced Sustainability: By optimizing resource use and reducing the need for chemical inputs, automated greenhouses contribute to more sustainable agricultural practices. 

They also allow for year-round production, reducing the need for long-distance transportation and associated carbon emissions.

Scalability: Automated greenhouses can be scaled up or down based on the needs of the farm. This flexibility allows for better management of crop production and can support local food systems.

B2B Applications and Market Potential

The market for automated greenhouse technology is growing rapidly, with numerous opportunities for business-to-business (B2B) applications. Companies specializing in agriculture technology (AgTech) are developing and offering a range of products and services to help farmers implement and manage automated systems.

Market Growth of Automation in Agriculture

The market growth of automation in agriculture is expected to boom in the coming years, driven by the need for efficient farm management and the increasing global population . Here are some key points to consider:

Global Agricultural Robots Market Size:

The global agricultural robots market size was estimated at USD 11.57 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.6% from 2023 to 2030 . 

Growth Drivers:

The growth of automation in agriculture is driven by the need to increase food production, reduce labour costs, and improve crop yields . 

Technological Advancements:

Technological advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence, and precision farming are expected to drive the growth of automation in agriculture. 

Regional Insights 

North America is currently the largest market for automation in agriculture, mainly due to high labour costs and a shortage of workers

Case Study: Zordi's Fully Automated Greenhouse

Zordi:

One notable example in the automated greenhouse sector is Zordi, a company at the forefront of AgTech innovation. Zordi delivers innovative automation technology for greenhouses, enhancing efficiency and productivity through advanced sensors, AI-driven analytics, and automated control systems. Zordi has developed a fully automated greenhouse that utilizes advanced algorithms and machine learning to continuously monitor and adjust the growing environment. Key features of Zordi's greenhouse include:

Precision Climate Control: Advanced sensors and control systems maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels.

Automated Irrigation and Nutrient Delivery: Real-time monitoring of soil and plant conditions to deliver the right amount of water and nutrients.

AI-Driven Insights: Machine learning algorithms analyze data to provide actionable insights for improving crop yields and reducing resource use.

Remote Management: Farmers can monitor and control the greenhouse environment remotely using a smartphone or computer.

Integration with IoT and Blockchain Technology

Incorporating Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain technology into automated greenhouses can further enhance their efficiency and transparency.

Zordi's Role in Automation Greenhouses :A B2B Perspective

In the rapidly evolving agricultural landscape, automation greenhouses represent a leap forward in efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. Companies like Zordi are at the forefront of this transformation, providing cutting-edge solutions that cater to other businesses aiming to optimize their greenhouse operations.

Real-World Impact

A prominent example of Zordi's impact in the B2B sector is their collaboration with large-scale commercial greenhouse operators. These partnerships have resulted in significant yield improvements and cost savings, demonstrating the tangible benefits of automation.By integrating Zordi's advanced automation solutions, businesses can stay ahead in the competitive agricultural sector, driving innovation and sustainability in their operations.

Here are some other examples of B2B (Business-to-Business) companies in the automation in greenhouses industry:

Algofait

Algofait provides AI-powered solutions to businesses, including:Greenhouse Automation,Crop Yield Prediction,Disease Detection and Prevention,Supply Chain Optimization,Data-Driven Decision Making. 

Autogrow:Provides intelligent automation solutions for greenhouses, including sensors, software, and automation systems.

Priva : Offers automation solutions for horticulture, including climate control, water management, and energy management.

HortiMaX: Provides automation solutions for greenhouses, including climate control, irrigation, and labor management.

Ridder:Offers automation solutions for greenhouses, including climate control, irrigation, and energy management.

Ceres Greenhouse Solutions:Provides automated greenhouse systems, including climate control, irrigation, and shading.

Greenhouse Automation:Offers customized automation solutions for greenhouses, including climate control, irrigation, and labour management.

Smart Greenhouse Systems:Provides automated greenhouse systems, including climate control, irrigation, and data analysis.

These companies provide automation solutions to commercial growers, greenhouses, and vertical farms, helping them to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve crop yields.

Challenges: 

The adoption of automation in agriculture faces challenges such as high initial investment costs, lack of technical expertise, and concerns about job displacement 

Future Prospects and Innovation

Vertical Farming and Greenhouse Robotics

The use of robotics and automation in vertical farming and greenhouses is expected to significantly improve crop yields and reduce water consumption. These technologies enable precise control over environmental conditions, efficient resource management, and optimized plant care, leading to sustainable and productive agricultural practices.

The integration of IoT and blockchain in automated greenhouses opens up new possibilities for innovation in agriculture. Future developments may include:

Predictive Analytics: Combining IoT data with machine learning algorithms to predict and prevent issues before they occur, further optimizing resource use and crop yields.

Decentralized Data Marketplaces: Allowing farmers to share and monetize their data securely, contributing to broader agricultural research and innovation.

Enhanced Consumer Trust: Providing end consumers with verifiable data on the origin and quality of their food, building trust and supporting sustainable practices

Conclusion

Automated greenhouses are a major advancement in agricultural technology. They improve efficiency, optimize resources, and enhance sustainability. Companies like Zordi and Algofait are leading this innovation, providing solutions that shape the future of farming. Automated greenhouses help meet the rising food demand and align with global sustainability goals.The future of these greenhouses goes beyond automation. It includes integrating technologies like IoT and blockchain to boost efficiency, transparency, and sustainability. By adopting these advancements, agriculture can meet global food needs while protecting the environment.

AgriNext Awards Conference & Expo

The upcoming AgriNext Awards Conference & Expo promises to be a pivotal event in the agricultural sector, spotlighting innovations in agricultural automation. Among the esteemed speakers is Gilwoo Lee, the CEO of Zordi, a pioneering company in the field. The event will feature cutting-edge discussions on how automation technologies are revolutionizing farming practices, increasing efficiency, and promoting sustainable agriculture. With leaders like Gilwoo Lee sharing insights, attendees can expect to gain valuable knowledge on the latest advancements and future trends in agricultural automation.

[perfectlywingedpost]

Automatic weather stations | Adr Tech India

A key component of India's meteorological infrastructure, Automatic weather stations supply vital information for disaster preparation, climate monitoring, and weather forecasting. These stations, which are run by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), are positioned tactically throughout the country's broad and varied terrain, which includes plains, mountains, coastal areas, and islands. 

Indian weather stations are outfitted with sophisticated sensors and devices that allow them to measure a wide range of characteristics, including temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure. The information gathered from these stations is used to track agricultural conditions, issue weather forecasts, and issue alerts for severe weather occurrences including heat waves and cyclones. These stations are essential for protecting lives, assisting with agriculture, and promoting economic growth in all of India's various areas.

If you are also the one who is looking for an automatic weather station then you are at the right place, at Adr Tech India you can easily get a weather station at affordable prices then others, so what are you waiting for? Contact us or visit our website now to get more detailed information about us and products. 

[anandinternational]

Discover how AI-powered automation is revolutionizing agriculture in our latest blog post! Explore innovative solutions and their impact on farming practices.

[jcmarchi]

Jay Shroeder, CTO at CNH – Interview Series

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/jay-shroeder-cto-at-cnh-interview-series/

Jay Shroeder, CTO at CNH – Interview Series

Jay Schroeder serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at CNH, overseeing the company’s global research and development operations. His responsibilities include managing areas such as technology, innovation, vehicles and implements, precision technology, user experience, and powertrain. Schroeder focuses on enhancing the company’s product portfolio and precision technology capabilities, with the aim of integrating precision solutions across the entire equipment range. Additionally, he is involved in expanding CNH’s alternative propulsion offerings and providing governance over product development processes to ensure that the company’s product portfolio meets high standards of quality and performance.

Through its various businesses, CNH Industrial, produces, and sells agricultural machinery and construction equipment. AI and advanced technologies, such as computer vision, machine learning (ML), and camera sensors, are transforming how this equipment operates, enabling innovations like AI-powered self-driving tractors that help farmers address complex challenges in their work.

CNH’s self-driving tractors are powered by models trained on deep neural networks and real-time inference. Can you explain how this technology helps farmers perform tasks like planting with extreme precision, and how it compares to autonomous driving in other industries like transportation?

While self-driving cars capture headlines, the agriculture industry has quietly led the autonomous revolution for more than two decades. Companies like CNH pioneered autonomous steering and speed control long before Tesla. Today, CNH’s technology goes beyond simply driving to conducting highly automated and autonomous work all while driving themselves. From precisely planting seeds in the ground exactly where they need to be, to efficiently and optimally harvesting crops and treating the soil, all while driving through the field, autonomous farming isn’t just keeping pace with self-driving cars – it’s leaving them in the dust. The future of transportation may be autonomous, but in farming, the future is already here.

Further, CNH’s future-proofed tech stack empowers autonomous farming far beyond what self-driving cars can achieve. Our software-defined architecture seamlessly integrates a wide range of technologies, enabling automation for complex farming tasks that are much more challenging than simple point-A-to-B navigation. Interoperability in the architecture empowers farmers with unprecedented control and flexibility to layer on heightened technology through CNH’s open APIs. Unlike closed systems, CNH’s open API allows farmers to customize their machinery. Imagine camera sensors that distinguish crops from weeds, activated only when needed—all while the vehicle operates autonomously. This adaptability, combined with the ability to handle rugged terrain and diverse tasks, sets CNH’s technology apart. While Tesla and Waymo make strides, the true frontier of autonomous innovation lies in the fields, not on the roads.

The concept of an “MRI machine for plants” is fascinating. How does CNH’s use of synthetic imagery and machine learning enable its machines to identify crop type, growth stages, and apply targeted crop nutrition?

Using AI, computer vision cameras, and massive data sets, CNH is training models to distinguish crops from weeds, identify plant growth stages, and recognize the health of the crop across the fields to determine the exact amount of nutrients and protection needed to optimize a crop’s yield. For example, with the Augmenta Field Analyzer, a computer vision application scans the ground in front of the machine as it’s quickly moving through the field (at up to 20 mph) to assess crop conditions on the field and which areas need to be treated, and at what rate, to make those areas healthier.

With this technology, farmers are able to know and treat exactly where in the field a problem is building so that instead of blanketing a whole field with a treatment to kill weeds, control pests, or add necessary nutrients to boost the health of the crops, AI and data-informed spraying machines automatically spray only the plants that need it. The technology enables the exact amount of chemical needed, applied in exactly the right spot to precisely address the plants’ needs and stop any threat to the crop. Identifying and spraying only (and exactly) weeds as they grow among crops will eventually reduce the use of chemicals on fields by up to 90%. Only a small amount of chemical is needed to treat each individual threat rather than treating the whole field in order to reach those same few threats.

To generate photorealistic synthetic images and improve datasets quickly, CNH uses biophysical procedural models. This enables the team to quickly and efficiently create and classify millions of images without having to take the time to capture real imagery at the scale needed. The synthetic data augments authentic images, improving model training and inference performance. For example, by using synthetic data, different situations can be created to train the models – such as various lighting conditions and shadows that move throughout the day. Procedural models can produce specific images based on parameters to create a dataset that represents different conditions.

How accurate is this technology compared to traditional farming methods?

Farmers make hundreds of significant choices throughout the year but only see the results of all those cumulative decisions once: at harvest time. The average age of a farmer is increasing and most work for more than 30 years. There is no margin for error. From the moment the seed is planted, farmers need to do everything they can to make sure the crop thrives – their livelihood is on the line.

Our technology takes a lot of the guesswork out of farmers’ tasks, such as determining the best ways to care for growing crops, while giving farmers extra time back to focus on solving strategic business challenges. At the end of the day, farmers are running massive businesses and rely on technology to help them do so most efficiently, productively and profitably.

Not only does the data generated by machines allow farmers to make better, more informed decisions to get better results, but the high levels of automation and autonomy in the machines themselves perform the work better and at a higher scale than humans are able to do. Spraying machines are able to “see” trouble spots in thousands of acres of crops better than human eyes and can precisely treat threats; while technology like autonomous tillage is able to relieve the burden of doing an arduous, time-consuming task and perform it with more accuracy and efficiency at scale than a human could. In autonomous tillage, a fully autonomous system tills the soil by using sensors combined with deep neural networks to create ideal conditions with centimeter-level precision. This prepares the soil to allow for highly consistent row spacing, precise seed depth, and optimized seed placement despite often drastic soil changes across even one field. Traditional methods, often reliant on human-operated machinery, typically result in more variability in results due to operator fatigue, less consistent navigation, and less accurate positioning.

During harvest season, CNH’s combine machines use edge computing and camera sensors to assess crop quality in real-time. How does this rapid decision-making process work, and what role does AI play in optimizing the harvest to reduce waste and improve efficiency?

A combine is an incredibly complex machine that does multiple processes — reaping, threshing, and gathering — in a single, continuous operation. It’s called a combine for that very reason: it combines what used to be multiple devices into a single factory-on-wheels. There is a lot happening at once and little room for error. CNH’s combine automatically makes millions of rapid decisions every twenty seconds, processing them on the edge, right on the machine. The camera sensors capture and process detailed images of the harvested crops to determine the quality of each kernel of the crop being harvested — analyzing moisture levels, grain quality, and debris content. The machine will automatically make adjustments based on the imagery data to deploy the best machine settings to get optimal results. We can do this today for barley, rice, wheat, corn, soybeans, and canola and will soon add capabilities for sorghum, oats, field peas, sunflowers, and edible beans.

AI at the edge is crucial in optimizing this process by using deep learning models trained to recognize patterns in crop conditions. These models can quickly identify areas of the harvest that require adjustments, such as altering the combine’s speed or modifying threshing settings to ensure better separation of grain from the rest of the plant (for instance, keeping only each and every corn kernel and removing all pieces of the cob and stalk). This real-time optimization helps reduce waste by minimizing crop damage and collecting only high-quality crops. It also improves efficiency, allowing machines to make data-driven decisions on the go to maximize farmers’ crop yield, all while reducing operational stress and costs.

Precision agriculture driven by AI and ML promises to reduce input waste and maximize yield. Could you elaborate on how CNH’s technology is helping farmers cut costs, improve sustainability, and overcome labor shortages in an increasingly challenging agricultural landscape?

Farmers face tremendous hurdles in finding skilled labor. This is especially true for tillage – a critical step most farms require to prepare the soil for winter to make for better planting conditions in the spring. Precision is vital in tillage with accuracy measured to the tenth of an inch to create optimal crop growth conditions. CNH’s autonomous tillage technology eliminates the need for highly skilled operators to manually adjust tillage implements. With the push of a button, the system autonomizes the whole process, allowing farmers to focus on other essential tasks. This boosts productivity and the precision conserves fuel, making operations more efficient.

When it comes to crop maintenance, CNH’s sprayer technology is outfitted with more than 125 microprocessors that communicate in real-time to enhance cost-efficiency and sustainability of water, nutrient, herbicide, and pesticide use. These processors collaborate to analyze field conditions and precisely determine when and where to apply these nutrients, eliminating an overabundance of chemicals by up to 30% today and up to 90% in the near future, drastically cutting input costs and the amount of chemicals that go into the soil. The nozzle control valves allow the machine to accurately apply the product by automatically adjusting based on the sprayer’s speed, ensuring a consistent rate and pressure for precise droplet delivery to the crop so each drop lands exactly where it needs to be for the health of the crop. This level of precision reduces the need for frequent refills, with farmers only needing to fill the sprayer once per day, leading to significant water/chemical conservation.

Similarly, CNH’s Cart Automation simplifies the complex and high-stress task of operating a combine during harvest. Precision is crucial to avoid collisions between the combine header and the grain cart driving within inches of each other for hours at a time. It also helps lessen crop loss. Cart Automation enables a seamless load-on-the-go process, reducing the need for manual coordination and facilitating the combine to continue performing its job without having to stop. CNH has done physiological testing that shows this assistive technology lowers stress for combine operators by approximately 12% and for tractor operators by 18%, which adds up when these operators are in these machines for up to 16 hours a day during harvest season.

CNH brand, New Holland, recently partnered with Bluewhite for autonomous tractor kits. How does this collaboration fit into CNH’s broader strategy for expanding autonomy in agriculture?

Autonomy is the future of CNH, and we are taking a purposeful and strategic approach to developing this technology, driven by the most pressing needs of our customers. Our internal engineers are focused on developing autonomy for our large agriculture customer segment– farmers of crops that grow in large, open fields, like corn and soybeans. Another important customer base for CNH is farmers of what we call “permanent crops” that grow in orchards and vineyards. Partnering with Bluewhite, a proven leader in implementing autonomy in orchards and vineyards, allows us the scale and speed to market to be able to serve both the large ag and permanent crop customer segments with critically needed autonomy. With Bluewhite, we are delivering a fully autonomous tractor in permanent crops, making us the first original equipment manufacturer (OEM) with an autonomous solution in orchards and vineyards.

Our approach to autonomy is to solve the most critical challenges customers have in the jobs and tasks where they are eager for the machine to complete the work and remove the burden on labor.  Autonomous tillage leads our internal job autonomy development because it’s an arduous task that takes a long time during a tightly time-constrained period of the year when a number of other things also need to happen. A machine in this instance can perform the work better than a human operator. Permanent crop farmers also have an urgent need for autonomy, as they face extreme labor shortages and need machines to fill the gaps. These jobs require the tractors to drive 20-30 passes through each orchard or vineyard row per season, performing important jobs like applying nutrients to the trees and keeping the grass between vines mowed and free of weeds.

Many of CNH’s solutions are being adopted by orchard and vineyard operators. What unique challenges do these environments present for autonomous and AI-driven machinery, and how is CNH adapting its technologies for such specialized applications? 

The windows for harvesting are changing, and finding skilled labor is harder to come by. Climate change is making seasons more unpredictable; it’s mission-critical for farmers to have technology ready to go that drives precision and efficiency for when crops are optimal for harvesting. Farming always requires precision, but it’s particularly necessary when harvesting something as small and delicate as a grape or nut.

Most automated driving technologies rely on GPS to guide machines on their paths, but in orchards and vineyards those GPS signals can be blocked by tree and vine branches. Vision cameras and radar are used in conjunction with GPS to keep machines on their optimal path. And, with orchards and vineyards, harvesting is not about acres of uniform rows but rather individual, varied plants and trees, often in hilly terrain. CNH’s automated systems adjust to each plant’s height, the ground level, and required picking speed to ensure a quality yield without damaging the crop. They also adjust around unproductive or dead trees to save unnecessary inputs. These robotic machines automatically move along the plants, safely straddling the crop while delicately removing the produce from the tree or vine. The operator sets the desired picking head height, and the machines automatically adjust to maintain those settings per plant, regardless of the terrain. Further, for some fruits, the best time to harvest is when its sugar content peaks overnight. Cameras equipped with infrared technology work in even the darkest conditions to harvest the fruit at its optimal condition.

As more autonomous farming equipment is deployed, what steps is CNH taking to ensure the safety and regulatory compliance of these AI-powered systems, particularly in diverse global farming environments?

Safety and regulatory compliance are central to CNH’s AI-powered systems, thus CNH collaborates with local authorities in different regions, allowing the company to adapt its autonomous systems to meet regional requirements, including safety standards, environmental regulations, and data privacy laws. CNH is also active in standards organizations to ensure we meet all recognized and emerging standards and requirements.

For example, autonomous safety systems include sensors like cameras, LiDAR, radar and GPS for real-time monitoring. These technologies enable the equipment to detect obstacles and automatically stop when it detects something ahead. The machines can also navigate complex terrain and respond to environmental changes, minimizing the risk of accidents.

What do you see as the biggest barriers to widespread adoption of AI-driven technologies in agriculture? How is CNH helping farmers transition to these new systems and demonstrating their value?

Currently, the most significant barriers are cost, connectivity, and farmer training.

But better yields, lowered expenses, lowered physical stress, and better time management through heightened automation can offset the total cost of ownership. Smaller farms can benefit from more limited autonomous solutions, like feed systems or aftermarket upgrade kits.

Inadequate connectivity, particularly in rural areas, poses challenges. AI-driven technologies require consistent, always-on connectivity. CNH is helping to address that through its partnership with Intelsat and through universal modems that connect to whatever network is nearby–wifi, cellular, or satellite–providing field-ready connectivity for customers in hard to reach locations. While many customers fulfill this need for internet connectivity with CNH’s market-leading global mobile virtual network, existing cellular towers do not enable pervasive connection.

Lastly, the perceived learning curve associated with AI technology can feel daunting. This shift from traditional practices requires training and a change in mindset, which is why CNH works hand-in-hand with customers to make sure they are comfortable with the technology and are getting the full benefit of systems.

Looking ahead, how do you envision CNH’s AI and autonomous solutions evolving over the next decade?

CNH is tackling critical, global challenges by developing cutting-edge technology to produce more food sustainably by using fewer resources, for a growing population. Our focus is empowering farmers to improve their livelihoods and businesses through innovative solutions, with AI and autonomy playing a central role. Advancements in data collection, affordability of sensors, connectivity, and computing power will accelerate the development of AI and autonomous systems. These technologies will drive progress in precision farming, autonomous operation, predictive maintenance, and data-driven decision-making, ultimately benefiting our customers and the world.

Thank you for the great interview, readers who wish to learn more should visit CNH.