Deere & Co. is intensifying its focus on autonomous machinery, unveiling a range of self-driving tractors and industrial equipment designed to operate without human intervention. This move further solidifies the company’s commitment to automation, following the launch of its first self-driving tractor in 2022.
At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on Monday, Deere introduced several new autonomous products across different sectors:
The 9RX tractor, designed for large-scale agriculture, features a self-driving system with 16 cameras arranged in pods to provide a comprehensive 360-degree view of its surroundings.
The 5ML orchard tractor is equipped with cameras and Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology, enabling it to automate air blast spraying among trees with dense canopies.
The 460 P-Tier autonomous articulated dump truck is designed for quarry operations, offering a fully self-guided solution for transporting materials.
The autonomous battery electric mower, tailored for commercial landscaping, features a similar 360-degree camera system as the 9RX tractor, allowing it to operate autonomously in various environments.
In a statement, Deere emphasized that the development of these autonomous machines is in response to ongoing labor shortages and escalating costs. The agricultural sector, in particular, has faced significant challenges in recruiting skilled workers, a problem that has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are seeing a shortage of skilled labor in agriculture, construction, and commercial landscaping,” said Jahmy Hindman, Deere’s chief technology officer. “Our customers face time-sensitive tasks that need to be completed, but there simply aren’t enough qualified workers available.”
Deere, headquartered in Moline, Illinois, and with manufacturing plants in Iowa, is now rolling out a second generation of its autonomy kit. This advanced system integrates computer vision, artificial intelligence, and cameras to help machines navigate complex terrains and perform a wide variety of tasks with precision.
Additionally, Deere’s new autonomy technology is designed with retrofit capabilities, allowing it to be added to existing Deere tractors, articulated dump trucks, and commercial mowers.
Deere is not alone in this pursuit of automation. Competitors such as Caterpillar have also invested significantly in autonomous off-highway vehicles, including farm tractors and mining trucks, as the push for automation continues to reshape industries facing labor challenges.
With its expanded lineup of autonomous machines, Deere aims to help alleviate labor constraints while enhancing productivity across agriculture, construction, and landscaping sectors.