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John Deere acquires Bear Flag Robotics for $250 million

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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

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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

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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

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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

John Deere in exclusive partnership with Wentworth Club to supply golf course maintenance equipment

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Wentworth Club and John Deere have agreed a new, exclusive partnership for the supply of golf course maintenance equipment to the world famous West, East and Edinburgh Championship Courses at Virginia Water in Surrey, from spring 2019.

The deal includes automated and autonomous vehicles and equipment.

Wentworth Club has been the host venue since 1984 for the PGA Championship tournament, which is regarded as the flagship event on the European Tour. [Read more…] about John Deere in exclusive partnership with Wentworth Club to supply golf course maintenance equipment

John Deere adds more automation to combine harvester range

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John Deere has announced updates for Model Year 2020 S700 Series Combines, which include upgrades to improve automation, data management and residue placement.

Combine Advisor and HarvestSmart have been updated to further automate these machines.

Combine Advisor uses ActiveVision cameras and sensors to identify changes in crop conditions and automatically adjust the combine to maintain the operator’s settings for optimal performance in varying conditions.

[Read more…] about John Deere adds more automation to combine harvester range

Deere to acquire sprayer and planter manufacturer PLA

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Deere has signed a definitive agreement to acquire PLA, a privately-held manufacturer of sprayers, planters, and specialty products for agriculture.

PLA is based in Argentina, with manufacturing facilities in Las Rosas, Argentina, and Canoas, Brazil.

John May, president, agricultural solutions and chief information officer at Deere, says: “The PLA acquisition enhances John Deere’s commitment to customers as we continue to provide innovative, cost-effective equipment, technology, and services to improve their productivity.”  [Read more…] about Deere to acquire sprayer and planter manufacturer PLA

Autonomous Tractor boss says new technology can help farmers halve their costs

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The Autonomous Tractor Corporation is close to launching a range of new technologies which it says will help farmers halve their equipment costs. 

In exclusive comments to Robotics and Automation News, Kraig Schulz, CEO of ATC, says the company’s latest eDrive system would cost between $250 and $500 per horsepower.

This is approximately half the cost of a new tractor, which costs anywhere between around $750 and $1,000 per hp.

Schulz says: “The system costs will obviously depend on configuration, horsepower, and so on, but we can have a retrofit eDrive system for a 325 hp sprayer done, installed, ready to go for about $75,000 which is a little less than having the whole thing rebuilt with hydrostatic drives – about $80,000. [Read more…] about Autonomous Tractor boss says new technology can help farmers halve their costs

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