Kubota has partnered with U.S. chipmaker Nvidia to develop highly sophisticated self-driving farm tractors, the Japanese machinery maker said Tuesday.

The tractors will be equipped with Nvidia graphics processing units and artificial intelligence, coupled with cameras to instantly process collected data.

The farming technology is expected to provide a labor-saving solution that will help address the shortage of workers in Japan’s agricultural industry.

Kubota launched the Agrirobo line of tractors in 2017. Although the tractors can run autonomously using radar to ascertain surroundings, they require human supervision and they do not use AI.

The technology developed through the partnership with Nvida looks to attain complete autonomy. To improve safety and functionality, the tractors require high-tech cameras to collect and analyze image data.

Nvidia’s GPU and AI will be adopted to minutely analyze weather data and crop conditions.

Japan’s aging society has led to a labor crunch in the farm industry. Smart farming has become a pressing issue amid the need to curb labor costs.

Kubota’s rivals, such as Deere & Co. in the U.S., are adding driverless technology to their equipment. Major automakers are collaborating with Nvidia, but such a partnership in the agricultural sector is still uncommon.

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Neomat

It covers a significant area across France including Ile de France region (Paris area) and Oise. The company is a sub company of the family group Payen, which has specialised in the distribution of Public Works materials for more than 50 years. As a KCME dealer, Neomat will focus primarily on the sales and service of compact excavators, including the SK140SRLC-7, as well as demolition excavators for the Grand Paris project. A rental fleet will also be created in order to demonstrate the Kobelco product performance and low fuel consumption.

Gap Sud Mécanique

It covers the Alpes de Haute Provence and Hautes Alpes regions. The family-run business specialises in the sale and service of brand new and used CE equipment, rental and the sale of loader cranes for trucks. The company is very customer service-centric and will use KCME’s European warehouse in Amsterdam to ensure that machines are delivered quickly to its customers across France. Although Gap Sud Mecanique’s territory is relatively small, customer demand for machines in this area covers the full Kobelco range, from the smallest SK08 minis to the largest SK850LC-10 machines.

Comet Loc

It covers the Alpes Maritimes and Var regions. Comet Loc has an excellent reputation in customer responsiveness and service, with specific expertise in equipment for farmyards and vineyards. This dealer also has a big rental operation, managing a fleet of 80 excavators from 1.5-30t.

ACHD

It will help support significant coverage of France including in the Burgundy and the Rhone regions. ACHD has specialised in the compact equipment sector for more than 15 years but is now looking to expand its portfolio into heavy machinery. The company, which employs a workforce of 12, is looking forward to demonstrating Kobelco’s technological expertise through the SK75SR-7 Side-Drain and SK140SR-7 Side-Drain machines, the innovative hybrid technology in the SK210HLC-10, and showcasing Kobelco’s pioneering demolition models.

Serge Monod Equipment (SME),

It covers the Savoie and Haute Savoie regions. The company, which has 21 employees, prides itself on its excellent customer service and fast delivery. When SME managing directors Laurent Legouhy and Raphaël Saillet, were looking to expand the company’s CE equipment portfolio, they were keen to partner with a high quality construction brand, so Kobelco was the obvious choice. Like Gap Sud Mecanique, SME will use KCME’s central European warehouse to ensure that machines are delivered quickly to its customers across France, particularly to those based in the Alps, where access and working conditions are challenging.

Kobest

It covers the Aisne and Champagne-Ardennes region. The company is committed to providing a high quality after-sales service, thanks to its team of highly skilled technicians. Although Kobest is a very young company, its founder, Simon Hofmann is the third generation of the family to start distributing TP equipment. Kobest will focus specifically on Kobelco’s latest machines, including the SK85MSR-7, SK130LC11 and SK140SRLC-7.

In addition to expanding its French dealer network, KCME has also welcomed a new member to its marketing and field sales team. Roland Danion, who has 20 years’ experience in the construction industry, joins the team as Retail Sales and Marketing Manager and is responsible for the whole of France. Forty-six-year-old Roland joins KCME from Hydro CTA, and prior to this he had been the Sales Director of a large CE Equipment dealer in North-Western France. In his role as Retail Sales and Marketing Manager for KCME, Roland will be the direct contact for national accounts, support the Kobelco dealer salesforce and manage all local events. He will work closely with Business Manager, Jean-Philippe Delion as well as Product Support Manager, Vincent Gribonvald, and Team Leader Spare Parts Representative, Mignon Terpstra.

KCME Managing Director, Makoto Kato said:

“France is one of KCME’s key markets and so we are delighted to welcome these six new dealers to the Kobelco network. The appointment of Neomat, Gap Sud Mécanique, Comet Loc, ACHD, Serge Monod Equipement and Kobest demonstrates our commitment to servicing our customers in the French speaking regions, while the recruitment of Roland to the KCME team highlights the importance we place on providing the best possible support to our dealers.”

Source: Kobelco

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The MX Series is designed for both residential and commercial needs, including land maintenance, feeding livestock, landscaping and municipal applications, and will be available at Kubota dealerships starting in November of 2019.

“Notorious for its ease of operations, the new MX Series is an outstanding addition to Kubota’s line of tractors. The MX Series’ versatility and power give it the ability to take on large tractors applications while being crammed with power to fulfil smaller utility tractor-sized applications”

said Bob Hickey, President, Kubota Canada Ltd. “I’m eager to announce that the MX Series will feature a factory-installed cab, a critical requirement for the Canadian market to work comfortably. The MX Series is the full package when it comes to affordability, comfort and versatility.”

Versatility and Ease of Operation, Implement & Attachment Use

The MX Series tractors are designed for versatility and ease of operation. Each tractor in the new MX Series can be customized to meet the needs of each customer with a category I & II three-point hitches, two- or four-wheel-drive models, gear drive or HST transmission, and ROPS or CAB options. With a maximum lift capacity of 24 inches behind the lift point of 2,310 pounds, the MX Series allows for a wide range of implements. Equipped with an electric-over hydraulic PTO switch, the live-independent PTO is easy to use; simply “push and turn” to start or “push” to stop.

Economy Meets Utility: Introducing Kubota’s New MX Series

Many performance-matched implements & attachments are available for the MX Series, making it the ultimate package for a wide range of jobs. Kubota’s LA1065 front loader was specifically engineered for the MX Series, thus optimizing the loader’s full capabilities. With a high lift capacity, lift height, and breakout force, the LA1065 provides the power needed for those heavy-duty jobs. The LA1065 loader features simultaneous lift and dump of the loader and bucket. The standard 2-lever quick coupler allows for easy attachment and detachment of front attachments like grapple buckets or bale spears. In addition, available for the ROPS models, the BH92 Backhoe is performance-matched to deliver more power and greater capacity with over nine feet of digging depth.

Affordability From the Start and For the Long Haul

The MX Series is competitively priced and designed to withstand heavy use over many years, adding to the value and affordability of the Series. With more than 50 optional accessories to add on to the tractor, the MX Series can be customized according to a range of applications and criteria, increasing its overall value. The MX Series is designed to minimize maintenance with a metal one-piece hood, fenders and platform; powerful and durable Kubota diesel engine; and protected hydraulic hoses. The MX Series also offers an affordable choice of gear drive or hydrostatic (HST) transmission. The Synchro-Shuttle gear drive transmission gives the operator total control over the power to maximize productivity, especially in loader work. The HST transmission provides smooth performance and control, as well as reduced vibration and fatigue for greater operator comfort.

Year-Round Comfort with Optional Cab and other Features

The MX Series is built to deliver comfort with CAB or ROPS models available. The feature-packed cab is ready to take on any task; combined with having a premium Kubota diesel engine, the cab is quiet, with little to no vibration for a smoother, more comfortable ride. No matter how cold, hot, wet or dusty, this cab can withstand the elements. The wide deck enables safe and easy mounting and dismounting, and the 30 spacious inches between fenders gives the operator all the room needed to work in comfort. In addition, the easy-to-operate pendulum pedals optimize legroom. A new high-back suspension seat offers greater comfort, even after a long day’s work. Customization options include additional accessories such as a radio, air-ride seat, side mirrors, rear work lights and many more.

The MX Series is the ultimate package when it comes to an affordable and year-round tractor that can easily fit both larger compact applications and smaller utility applications.

About Kubota Canada

Kubota Canada Ltd. (KCL) is a subsidiary of Kubota Corporation, a tractor and heavy equipment manufacturer based in Osaka, Japan. KCL markets and distributes Kubota-engineered and manufactured equipment, which includes a complete line of tractors (up to 210-horsepower), performance-matched implements, compact and utility tractors, compact construction, landscaping and public work equipment, residential lawn and garden equipment, commercial turf products and utility vehicles.

Product Description, MX Series

Kubota’s new MX Series is comprised of two models, the MX5400 and the MX6000, ranging from 55.5 to 63.4 gross engine horsepower and now both available with an optional factory cab. The MX Series is designed for both residential and commercial needs, including land maintenance, feeding livestock, landscaping and municipal applications. The MX Series tractors are designed for versatility and ease of operation. Each tractor in the new MX Series can be customized to meet the needs of each customer with a category I & II three-point hitches, two- or four-wheel-drive models, gear drive or HST transmission, and ROPS or CAB options. The new MX Series tractors will be available at Kubota dealerships nationwide starting in November of 2019.

Source: Kubota

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