Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

deere

Comau equips John Deere with wearable exoskeletons

by Leave a Comment

Comau has equipped John Deere, the world’s largest farm machinery maker, with multiple Mate-XT wearable exoskeletons to help sustain worker well-being, alleviate physical stress and reduce the ergonomic risk within its parts logistics operations.

Mate-XT accurately replicates all movements of the shoulder, helping employees perform their jobs comfortably by reducing muscle fatigue without limiting mobility or adding bulk.

Its ergonomic design can be easily adjusted to fit different people with different body types – changing the length of the shoulder straps and the required level of assistance based on the worker or the job at hand is quickly achieved in a few simple steps. [Read more…] about Comau equips John Deere with wearable exoskeletons

GUSS delivers its 200th autonomous crop sprayer

by Leave a Comment

In 2014, when commercial spray business owner Dave Crinklaw drew a design on his shop floor of what he envisioned the solution to his labor challenges and inefficiencies to be, the journey to building the first autonomous sprayer began.

After several years of prototype development and refinement, the award winning GUSS was delivered to the first customer in 2019.

Today, GUSS Automation has found great success and recognition for the innovation of GUSS autonomous sprayers. GUSS machines have now sprayed over a million acres and this week GUSS Automation delivered the 200th autonomous sprayer. [Read more…] about GUSS delivers its 200th autonomous crop sprayer

John Deere forms joint venture with GUSS Automation

by Leave a Comment

Farm machinery manufacturer John Deere has formed a joint venture with GUSS Automation, based in Kingsburg, California.

GUSS (Global Unmanned Spray System) is a pioneer in semi-autonomous orchard and vineyard sprayers.

High-value crops, such as orchards and vineyards, generate significantly higher value per acre than grains or oilseeds. [Read more…] about John Deere forms joint venture with GUSS Automation

John Deere opens new ‘automation and autonomy’ innovation hub in Austin, Texas

by Leave a Comment

Deere & Company, the world’s largest manufacturer of agricultural and forestry vehicles, is expanding its US footprint and technology operations with a new office in Austin, Texas.

Deere says the new location enables it to further strengthen its technology capabilities and attract talent interested in solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges – including feeding a growing population.

Jahmy Hindman, Chief Technology Officer at John Deere, says: “Austin is a growing destination for some of the brightest minds in technology. Opening this office was a strategic decision from both a talent and collaboration perspective, particularly in software and data analytics. [Read more…] about John Deere opens new ‘automation and autonomy’ innovation hub in Austin, Texas

The autonomous future of industrial vehicles: Interview with John Deere business manager Jesse Haecker

by Leave a Comment

John Deere is, by most accounts, the world’s largest manufacturer of agricultural machinery – tractors, combine harvesters and so on. According to figures published by Statista, the 185-year-old American giant generated revenues of almost $32 billion in 2020. 

The next three companies on the list are, in order, Kubota ($15 billion), CNH Industrial ($11 billion), and AGCO ($9 billion). So Deere is clearly in the lead now, but one of those three companies – CNH Industrial – may be in a good position to grow its market share going forward because it launched a quite striking looking autonomous tractor a couple of years ago.

While CNH’s machine may look too futuristic for most farms, possibly leading people to believe it won’t take off any time soon, John Deere has nonetheless responded to the whole autonomous trend by launching its own driverless tractor (pictured below), which was showcased at the recent CES event. [Read more…] about The autonomous future of industrial vehicles: Interview with John Deere business manager Jesse Haecker

John Deere reveals fully autonomous tractor at CES

by Leave a Comment

John Deere has revealed a fully autonomous tractor at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, the world’s largest electronics trade show, currently taking place in Las Vegas, USA. 

The agriculture technology giant says its driverless tractor is ready for large-scale production.

The machine combines Deere’s 8R Tractor, TruSet-enabled chisel plow, GPS guidance system, and new advanced technologies. The autonomous tractor will be available to farmers later this year. [Read more…] about John Deere reveals fully autonomous tractor at CES

John Deere acquires Bear Flag Robotics for $250 million

by Leave a Comment

Deere & Company has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Bear Flag Robotics for $250 million.

Founded in 2017, the Silicon Valley-based startup develops autonomous driving technology compatible with existing machines – essentially, it retrofits existing tractors with patented artificial intelligence technology.

Deere says the deal “accelerates the development and delivery of automation and autonomy on the farm” and supports the company’s long-term strategy to create smarter machines with advanced technology to support individual customer needs. [Read more…] about John Deere acquires Bear Flag Robotics for $250 million

John Deere pilots new robotic welding solution

by Leave a Comment

John Deere is leveraging Intel’s artificial intelligence technology to help solve a costly, age-old problem in the manufacturing welding process.

Deere is piloting a solution that uses computer vision to automatically spot common defects in the automated welding process in its manufacturing facilities.

Andy Benko, quality director, John Deere construction and forestry division, says: “Welding is a complicated process. This AI solution has the potential to help us produce our high-quality machines more efficiently than before. [Read more…] about John Deere pilots new robotic welding solution

Sales of US cotton-harvesting machinery to China increase by 4,000 percent

by Leave a Comment

Sales of US-manufactured cotton-harvesting machinery to China have increased by 4,000 percent, according to a report on the South China Morning Post website.

The news outlet says its own analysis shows that the increase in April of this year was “more than 4,000 percent” when compared with the same month last year.

The main reason for the dramatic increases, says the SCMP, is the possible threat of US sanctions against China which might make it impossible to import hi-tech goods. [Read more…] about Sales of US cotton-harvesting machinery to China increase by 4,000 percent

John Deere showcases autonomous electric tractor and other new tech

by Leave a Comment

John Deere, probably the largest manufacturer of agricultural machinery in the world, has been showcasing a new autonomous tractor and other new technology at the ongoing Agritechnica event.

In a new exhibition concept at this year’s Agritechnica, Deere is demonstrating its leading position in precision agriculture in the Future Technology Zone.

Nine different product developments and research projects in the fields of electrification, autonomy through automation and artificial intelligence show how agriculture could work even more sustainably and productively in the future. [Read more…] about John Deere showcases autonomous electric tractor and other new tech