The system can be used on a wide spectrum of crops — from corn, soybeans and cotton to pulse crops and small grains like wheat and canola — with an unprecedented list of full-season application functions, including herbicide, fungicide, plant growth regulator, nitrogen and harvest aid. This technology is accessible with no annual subscription requirements or per-acre fees.

“IntelliSense Sprayer Automation is the newest addition to the New Holland machine automation portfolio, joining our existing harvest automation and baler automation solutions. This system features innovative live variable rate and selective spray modes, which will increase the productivity, efficiency and quality of application already synonymous with the Guardian front boom sprayer to a whole new level. Operators and farmers are going to be able to optimize the return on their inputs and increase productivity both in terms of acres covered and resulting crop uniformity and yield. IntelliSense Sprayer Automation is in a class of its own as the most versatile sense and act spray technology available.”

said Curtis Hillen, cash crop segment lead, New Holland North America.

SenseApply Camera Unit

IntelliSense Sprayer Automation uses a single cab-mounted, factory-fit SenseApply Camera unit.

The SenseApply camera unit is a forward-looking, multi-spectral vision system that enables IntelliSense Sprayer Automation to continuously scan upcoming field conditions (50 feet out in front of the sprayer) across the full width of the boom from a high vantage point atop the cab. The result: an expanded vision of the field that generates quicker and longer leading assessments, allowing the operator to drive and apply accurately at a faster speed than any other sense and act technology on the market today.

Selective Spray Function

The leading aspect of the new IntelliSense Sprayer Automation is its Selective Spray function. It offers operators the choice of two application types to enhance herbicide applications: Spot Spraying and Base + Boost.

Spot Spraying utilizes green-on-brown functionality and operates by detecting weeds smaller in stature (less than two inches in height) and activates nozzles on the boom that correspond to the location of the detected weed.

Where an operator is applying a broadcast herbicide over a field, Base + Boost mode applies a uniform base rate across the entire coverage width and activates a localized boost rate from nozzles where weeds are detected. When the SenseApply camera identifies a weed, IntelliSense Sprayer Automation boosts the maximum application rate for that single weed within the herbicide’s prescription rate range.

These two operations offer farmers enhanced capabilities to utilize their herbicide application: the ability to apply a broadcast herbicide to knock out smaller weeds and a prescription rate to manage larger weeds. Within both Selective Spray modes, the operator can alter sensitivity and coverage area. This means the operator can adjust the system’s responsiveness to weed size based on a scale of small, medium or high and the target application area where a weed is detected.

Other Functions

Beyond Selective Spray, IntelliSense Sprayer Automation bolsters its capabilities with a range of full-season live variable rate application functions that further elevate a sprayer’s productivity, utility and overall operating ROI. Functions include nitrogen variable rate application (VRA), plant growth regulator VRA, fungicide VRA, harvest aid VRA and burndown VRA. These functions operate by automatically adjusting the amount of each input applied (nitrogen, PGR, fungicide, harvest aid and burndown) based on detected biomass health levels.

To further in-field productivity, a Guardian front boom sprayer actively engaging one of the VRA functions can operate at speeds up to 25 mph. If Selective Spray is in active use, the sprayer can run at speeds up to 19 mph. This is an industry-leading speed range that ensures sprayer operators can maintain a high level of in-field performance and quality of application to maximize every ounce of input running through the boom.

Currently, IntelliSense Sprayer Automation can be used on a variety of crops, including corn, soybeans, wheat, barley, canola, cotton, small grains, edible beans and other legumes.

Productivity Enhanced

IntelliSense Sprayer Automation can create cost savings for applicators by enabling more efficient applications. In 2024, Kansas State University and CNH partnered to conduct field trials evaluating the performance of IntelliSense Sprayer Automation’s nitrogen VRA function in corn. The findings: ~10 percent savings in applied nitrogen compared to a constant broadcast rate. Contributing to this result is the system’s nitrogen VRA function, which can identify and automatically apply the most appropriate amount of nitrogen within the prescribed rate range according to the assessed plant biomass health.

“If that crop has already met its potential and an operator is broadcast applying, they’re wasting that nitrogen application. With IntelliSense Sprayer Automation we can turn the level of applied nitrogen down or up based on what that crop might need. We’re analyzing and nurturing individual plants now versus taking a wide brush to everything in the field to more efficiently and effectively use our crop inputs and those precious budgets.”

said Hillen.

The nitrogen use efficiency of IntelliSense Sprayer Automation creates financial savings but also extends the activity of that sprayer tank, allowing the operator to not have to stop and fill up as frequently. Considering the Kansas State University research, a 1,600-gallon sprayer tank now becomes, in theory, a 1,700+ gallon sprayer tank.

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Electric GUSS uses a combination of GPS, LiDAR, and proprietary technology for accurate coverage and allows a single employee to operate and monitor a combination of up to eight GUSS machines from the safety of his or her vehicle using a laptop computer.

The spot-spraying weed detection system identifies chlorophyll in the weeds and only sprays where weeds are detected. This technology saves up to 90% of the material being sprayed, increasing precision and efficiency while decreasing costs and material drift which is better for our environment and keeps the employee safer.

“We have been asked countless times about making GUSS electric. An electric herbicide sprayer made the most sense to us, given that the battery life can last an entire shift while performing this highly important orchard task. Combining the battery electric benefits of low operating costs and zero tail pipe emissions with spot spraying weed detection technology makes Electric GUSS a winner!”

said Gary Thompson, COO at GUSS Automation.

Electric GUSS runs a full shift of 10 – 12 hours while spraying at full capacity. Electric GUSS is 23’6” long, 6’4” tall and ranges from 8’4”-19’ wide depending on the boom extension. The hydraulically controlled, height-adjustable booms accommodate 18′-22′ row spacing. The booms also tilt for varying berm heights. The breakaway booms prevent damage to trees and crops.

As the agriculture industry continues to evolve, growers worldwide can now increase productivity and efficiency while decreasing labor costs, chemical usage and air pollutants with the precision spraying of Electric GUSS.

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The faster your construction crew reaches a state of maximum productivity, the better it is for your bottom line. Have you ever watched crews, surrounded by modern equipment, begin a job by pounding a wooden stake into the ground and think, “Isn’t there a better way?” There is.

With innovative intelligent Machine Control (iMC 2.0), Komatsu’s smallest intelligent dozer, the D39i-24 lets you program 3D design data directly into the 105 HP machine. Operators — even those with less experience — can work with utmost efficiency, guided by sophisticated automation. Through automatic dozing, rough cut to finish grade, Komatsu’s iMC 2.0-equipped D39i-24 helps make every pass count for superior production, compared to traditional aftermarket systems.

With a factory-installed, integrated system, the D39i-24 has been upgraded with a number of new intelligent features.

Learns as it works

With proactive dozing control, the dozer measures the terrain it tracks over and uses that data to plan the next pass so even less experienced operators can automatically cut/strip from existing terrain. Productivity can improve by up to 60% versus the previous generation.

Reduces operator fatigue in rough dozing

The tilt steering control automatically tilts the blade to maintain straight travel during rough dozing, reducing operator steering input by up to 80%.

Spreads fill material automatically

With the press of a button, lift layer control puts in repeated consistent lifts. Time savings are realized because each layer is precise, reducing or eliminating the need to rework for over compaction or under compaction.

Quick surface creation

Operators can create a temporary design surface with the press of a button with quick surface creation. Combined with other iMC 2.0 functions, crews can begin stripping or spreading using automated input while waiting for the finish grade model.

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Trimble and VayaVision, a LeddarTech Company, announced an alliance that will bring advanced perception technology to the agriculture, construction, and mining markets. The integration of VayaVision’s raw data sensor fusion and perception software platform with Trimble’s existing industry-leading machine control technology can enable intelligent automation in complex work environments. Together, Trimble and VayaVision expect to provide an innovative hardware and software portfolio, improving autonomous machine performance for a variety of industries.

The alliance is focused on advancing data fusion for multi-sensor systems such as LiDAR, cameras, and GNSS. These sensors are used to produce reliable environmental mapping, which is critical for autonomous solutions. The result is expected to enable improvements in the performance of autonomous machines operating in challenging work environments or when supporting safety-critical applications.

Both companies will collaborate to advance autonomous development and adoption with a customizable portfolio that can potentially benefit agriculture, construction, and mining professionals in several ways by:

• Improving operational efficiency, decreasing labor costs, and reducing project timelines
• Helping customers scale their automation efforts—from driver assistance features to fully autonomous solutions
• Offering a flexible, customer-centric approach to product engineering and implementation
• Reducing customer development costs and accelerating time to market with machine automation
• Augmenting or replacing human control to create a safer work environment through path optimization, obstacle avoidance, and situational awareness
• Improving sustainability by optimizing vehicle functionality and utilization with automation to reduce idle time, fuel consumption, and environmental impact

“Our business model is to collaborate with strategic partners to integrate our core technologies into their platform products which, in turn, can be used across multiple end applications. The alliance positions Trimble to deliver a highly capable path planning and autonomous system for the agriculture, construction, and mining industries. Our LeddarVision perception software delivers advanced, flexible, and robust 3D environmental solutions for off-road and passenger car applications today,”

said Youval Nehmadi, director of Perception Engineering of LeddarTech, Israel.

“Trimble has been connecting the physical and digital worlds with our best-in-class automation technologies for more than 20 years—whether it is in agriculture, construction or mining. We see the demand for operator assistance, autonomous machines, and workflow optimization accelerating dramatically and alliances such as this are a critical part of how we will bring added value to our customers in all levels of autonomy,”

said Finlay Wood, business area director for Trimble’s Autonomous Solutions Division.

The BIRD Foundation, a bi-national research and industrial development fund that promotes cooperation between U.S. and Israeli companies, is supporting the alliance. The foundation’s commitment recognizes the value of combining Trimble’s more than 20 years of advanced machine control technology with VayaVision’s leading perception software to advance industrial autonomy.

The post Trimble and Vayavision Establish Alliance to Make Intelligent Automation Even Smarter appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Nevonex won the 2019 Silver Medal at Agritechnica, the world’s leading agricultural equipment trade show, for the development of an open digital ecosystem that enables more efficient processes in agriculture through connectivity and automation of equipment and workflows.  

The Nevonex collaboration adds to AGCO’s commitment to helping farmers optimize their farms through seamless technology integration and connectivity. Other collaborations include a strategic partnership with Solinftec in 2019, the launch of the Agro Link task data platform in 2018, the data connection with Climate Corporation’s FieldView in 2017, and in 2016, founding the DKE-Data-Hub initiative together with nine industry partners. AGCO is also a founding member of the Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation, which now has more than 200 member companies.

Source: AGCO

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In order to increase labor efficiency as well as improving the lives and the health of his animals, Bäcketoft decided to switch from conventional to automated milking. At the same time, an automated feeding system from GEA would optimize the animals’ feed supply.

Bäcketoft’s modernization project has been granted financial support through the European Agricultural Fund. Within EU member states and regions, this fund fosters development in rural areas to strengthen market competitiveness in the agricultural sector, to ensure the sustainable use of natural resources and climate protection as well as to promote rural communities, including the creation of employment opportunities.

Time savings by switching to automated milking

The post Bäckeby Farm Relies on GEA Technology for Excellent Results appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Raven Industries, Inc. announced the release of Virtual Thumb Drive, the latest tool in Raven Applied Technology’s expansive CRx field computer product suite. VTD’s powerful addition to ag operations is enabled through the Slingshot Services and Logistics platform. Available for order today in Russia, Europe, and Latin America, this solution brings greater reliability in over-the-air data transfer for ag operations.

This software advancement seamlessly and quickly connects the office to Raven’s CRx field computers: CR7 and CR12. Raven’s CRx products offer lightweight field computers to any cab with extensive field-planning and job execution capabilities. VTD’s introduction into this product suite ensures operators have the information they need to confidently complete their job. VTD’s over-the-air access from the office to the field gives the flexibility to send jobs, update information, and receive job status to make informed decisions for the operation.

“Raven’s commitment to bring agricultural solutions to the market on a global scale is attributed to our service-first mindset. We have heard across the world that reliable connectivity from the office to the field is an ongoing challenge. Our team is listening to the needs of farmers from Russia to Brazil, and we are proud to release VTD as a part of our Slingshot platform. Slingshot bridges the gap from the field to the office, increasing productivity, confidence, and accuracy.”

said Frank Dorenkamp, International Business Director for Raven Applied Technology.

Raven’s Slingshot Services and Logistics platform is the leading technology solution to connect ag equipment to an operation’s offices for efficient, aligned, and accurate work. Through a tiered subscription approach, customers can receive a unique connectivity solution to fit their needs. Slingshot services offer a full spectrum of performance and control for an ag operation. Alongside VTD, the Slingshot platform gives operations:

• The ability to access coverage and guidance information between multiple machines in the same job.
• Machine operation, idle and transit time data, accessible 24/7.
• Complete visibility to where equipment and assets are located and what tasks they are completing.

Source: Raven Industries

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Robotics continues to drive innovation in manufacturing at Vermeer

From welding robots that complete tedious and repetitive weld tasks on the shop floor to automated guided vehicles (AGVs) that move heavy carts, automation has helped keep team members safe and remove waste from processes. Vermeer’s journey with AGVs began in 2016 when two units were installed to carry carts between Plants 6 and 7. However, after the July 2018 tornado took out Plants 5 and 6, the AGVs and the infrastructure to support them in Plants 6 and 7 were damaged to the point that they had to be decommissioned. We’re excited to share the next generation of automation at Vermeer – autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

Before Vermeer gets into that, here’s a quick rundown on the history of these handy cart-moving robots and the technology behind them. AGVs have been around since the early 1950s – back then, they were guided by a set path of wires on the floor. AGVs continued with methods like wire, tape lines, and painted lines for the next 60 years. Within the past 15 years, they’ve adopted much of the same technology now used in self-driving cars. This navigation allows AGVs to detect when an obstruction is in their path, causing them to stop. However, they ultimately still follow a fixed path.

AMRs – which are used today in Plant 4 – follow a fixed path, but they can also make basic decisions. Where an AGV would see an obstruction and stop, an AMR can find a way around the obstruction. This is thanks to their navigation, which reads the contours in the immediate environment to figure out its location in the plant, unlike the AGVs in Plants 6 and 7 that relied on reflectors and pushbuttons placed along a specified route to navigate.

The AMRs in Plant 4 currently use this laser-based navigation – called natural navigation – to bring parts from central receiving to the assembly line.

Source: Vermeer

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