iVT CONCEPT
18 iVTInternational.com February 2020
CASE IH MAGNUM AUTONOMOUS CONCEPT VEHICLE
Case IH’s autonomous cab-less
and rear Lidar sensors that create
concept tractor fi rst debuted back
a 3-D map around the machine for
in 2016 but its presence never
it to operate in the fi eld. The
fails to draw admiration,
tractor is can work completely
showcasing as it does advanced
independently, eliminating the
farming technology and startling,
need for a driver or cab. Should
futuristic design. It remains
it encounter an obstacle it
a revolution in tractor design, its
automatically stops and the owner
stunning lines combined with
is alerted, only restarting when
cutting-edge innovation already
the camera feeds are checked and
securing it the Chicago
a decision to continue taken. The
Athenaeum Museum of
machine also offers the future
Architecture award for good
potential to automatically adapt
design in 2017.
to weather events, stopping if
The machine was created
changeable weather causes
in collaboration with ASI
a problem, then restarting when
(Autonomous Solutions Inc), a
conditions improve.
leading developer of autonomous
Key benefi ts of autonomous
solutions. ASI provides the front
technology include the
optimisation of farming
operations. The vehicle can work
around the clock particularly
during tight weather windows,
with no variation in productivity.
It also enables agri-businesses
to redeploy labour to other tasks,
as the machine can conduct
routine in-fi eld activities, which
will help businesses overcome
increasing shortages of skilled
labour. Although the Case IH
autonomous remains conceptual,
key technologies deriving from
the research and development
programme have already
been rolled out on currently
available Case IH farming
equipment worldwide.
JOHN DEERE’S
AUTONOMOUS
TRACTOR
John Deere has shown
numerous autonomous
and electric tractor
concepts in recent
years, but this
machine is its most
radical. A compact
electric drive unit with
only one axle and an
integrated
attachment, the
autonomous machine
has a total output of
500kW and can be
equipped with either
wheels or tracks.
The concept combines the front half of
a rubber tracked tractor connected to a set of
discs via an articulation point. The discs can be
swapped out for other kit. The tractor’s rear axle
and cab have disappeared, and the implements
are carried on the rear wheels for transport.
Depending on the application, fl exible
ballasting from fi ve to 15 tons is possible to help
reduce soil compaction. Because of its electric
drive, there are no operating emissions and
noise levels are low. Further advantages include
low wear and maintenance costs. It remains to
be seen whether the hood hides a large battery
pack or hydrogen fuel cells.
“We are transforming from a machinery
company into a smart technology company,”
says Martin Kremmer, director ETIC, John Deere
European Technology Centre. “Full autonomy is
not about replacing the operator, it is about
giving the operator a new role as a supervisor,
because that person is receiving decision
support from the system in real time.”
ABOVE: Case IH’s autonomous concept vehicle
was a major attraction at Agritechnica
RIGHT: The absence of a cab inspired debate
about what agricultural machinery will look
ABOVE: John Deere’s driverless tractor will have like in the future
a total electric power output of 500kW
PHOTOGRAPH: CHRIS MCCULLOUGH
/iVTInternational.com