The electronics fair in Las Vegas, Ces, Consumer Electronics Show, presented the most recent and in some ways even futuristic technological solution of smart agriculture aimed at making agricultural work more “smart” than ever
The annual Las Vegas trade show dedicated to consumer electronics and technological innovation, CES, has seen the constant presence of agricultural machinery manufacturers among its exhibitors for several years. Alongside the latest video card models and robot vacuum cleaners capable of recognizing objects using artificial intelligence, there are also tractors and robotic lawnmowers.
This news shouldn’t be too surprising, given that agricultural technology has undergone a profound transformation over the past decade with the introduction of drones, autonomous vehicles, satellite guidance systems with centimeter-level precision, and more. The automation of repetitive tasks has also long been standard on mid- to high-end tractors, vehicles capable of performing complex operations and headland turns at the touch of a button. Now, at CES, the next step is the complete operational autonomy of these vehicles. According to what has been reported in the States, an army of robots will soon invade the countryside, working tirelessly around the clock, with maintenance and refueling being a separate issue.
A strong push in this direction has particularly affected specialized vehicles, those for vineyards and horticulture, which have seen a veritable invasion of smart solutions proposed by both fast-growing startups and large industrial groups in the sector, with Kubota leading the way.
The Japanese manufacturer brought a wide range of innovative solutions to Las Vegas, starting with the “M5 Narrow,” a tractor made autonomous thanks to a collaboration with the US company Agtonomy. Powered by a diesel engine capable of approximately 105 horsepower, it integrates advanced sensors and artificial intelligence algorithms that allow the machine to operate safely by recognizing obstacles and existing crops.
This was confirmed by tests conducted in Australia at a winery to perform pruning and canopy management operations, tasks performed promptly and efficiently through routine, autonomous steps that drastically reduced the need for traditional labor. Alongside the “M5 Narrow” Kubora has also proposed a sort of “transformer” robot capable of changing its configuration according to operational needs.
Highly futuristic, almost reminiscent of a rover prototype for lunar missions, it is described as a versatile robotic platform, the “KPVR” (Kubota Versatile Platform Robot), capable of adjusting its height and width to adapt to specific tasks or crop growth stages.
Thanks to configurable attachments, it is possible to mount accessories and equipment on the front, mid-axle, rear, or even on top of the vehicle itself, including a loader. In effect, it is a futuristic, multipurpose tool carrier, designed to accompany field work throughout the year, and in line with the Kubota philosophy of offering customer-focused solutions to support and assist them intuitively and efficiently in managing workflows.
Less futuristic, however, are the solutions integrated by John Deere into its “X9” combine harvester, a technological package that promises 20 to 30 percent greater productivity than the standard version of the same machine. The technological heart of the system consists of the integration of stereoscopic cameras for the evaluation of the depth of field, satellite receivers and predictive automation systems.
The combine harvester recognizes crop conditions and autonomously adjusts its forward speed while also monitoring threshing parameters to reduce grain loss and breakage. This is combined with constant, real-time connectivity, a goal achieved by leveraging both GSM and the Starlink satellite network. The manufacturer described the “X9” version exhibited in Las Vegas as an “essentially autonomous” machine when deployed in the field, capable of controlling trajectories and operating parameters, delegating the sole supervisory role to the operator, who may or may not be on board.
Smart agriculture: The new era of earthmoving
Several earthmoving machinery manufacturers are also present in Las Vegas. Among them is Bobcat, with solutions that promise to simplify operators’ work while improving productivity and safety. This is the direction taken by the “Bobcat Jobsite Companion,” an artificial intelligence-based feature that integrates a proprietary language model directly into the machine’s hardware, allowing it to function even without an internet connection.
The operator can communicate with the machine and automate over fifty functions without having to remove their hands from the controls. This is also supported by an anti-collision warning system, developed specifically for the compact equipment sector. Thanks to an advanced radar, the system can recognize surrounding objects and actively slow or stop the vehicle before an accident occurs. Also noteworthy is the “RogueX3” modular robot concept.
It can operate completely autonomously with or without a cab via remote controls and can move on wheels or tracks, allowing its configuration to be adapted to customer specifications or the tasks to be performed. Among the manufacturers dedicated to innovation is Caterpillar, present in Las Vegas with a suite of artificial intelligence-based solutions capable of significantly improving safety during operations.
“Cat AI Nexus” is the name of the platform that allows the machine, in this case a “306 CR” mini excavator, to have spatial vision and distinguish surrounding objects by communicating with the on-board control unit to prevent the machine from colliding with objects or people nearby while working.
Title: Smart agriculture conquers Ces in Las Vegas
Author: Gabriele Dell’Orto
