Robotics & Automation News

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tractor

CNH Industrial unveils ‘first’ electric tractor prototype with autonomous features

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CNH Industrial has unveiled the New Holland T4 Electric Power – which the company says is “the industry’s first all-electric light utility tractor prototype with autonomous features” – at its Tech Day in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, at the start of this year.

A concentrated effort between CNH’s team of experts in the USA (Burr Ridge, Detroit) and Italy (Modena) was able to halve this prototype’s development time thanks to collaboration with CNH’s strategic partner Monarch Tractor – an electrified agtech innovator based in California, USA. CNH says its expertise and resources, in conjunction with Monarch’s disruptive technology, “made this world-first result possible”.

This product milestone is the latest development in CNH’s strategic plan for electrification. The prototype presented is branded New Holland Agriculture, while the commercial model will also extend to the CNH Case IH Brand. It follows the launch of the multi award-winning e-Source power pack – an external generator for electric farm implements. [Read more…] about CNH Industrial unveils ‘first’ electric tractor prototype with autonomous features

CNH Industrial adds new automation and autonomy solutions to agtech portfolio

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CNH Industrial debuted its latest automation and autonomy solutions at its Tech Day in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, at the start of this year.

New Driverless Tillage and Driver Assist Harvest solutions from Raven, and Baler Automation from Case IH and New Holland, deliver automation and autonomous equipment enhancements.

They all help solve farming’s biggest challenges: to increase productivity and to do more with less resources, more sustainably. These latest technology developments form part of our agtech roadmap. [Read more…] about CNH Industrial adds new automation and autonomy solutions to agtech portfolio

Seegrid releases software to enable its warehouse robots to work together

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Seegrid, a provider in autonomous mobile robots for material handling, has expanded the capabilities of its Palion AMRs.

To fulfill more applications for more customers and foster AMR interoperability, Seegrid Palion Lift and Palion Tow Tractor now work in combination to load and unload carts with no human intervention.

Seegrid’s newest AMR, Palion Lift, brings together Seegrid’s breakthrough 3D vision-based navigation technology with best-in-class situational awareness capabilities to automate pallet movement. [Read more…] about Seegrid releases software to enable its warehouse robots to work together

Fernride and Terberg partner to take automated terminal tractors into series production

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Fernride, which specializes in autonomous trucking, and Terberg, a maker of terminal tractors, have agreed a collaboration to develop an automated terminal tractor CE certified for commercial production.

This solution offers both teleoperated and autonomous driving capabilities to ensure a smooth and gradual transition to full autonomy with human-in-the-loop. The partnership started in 2021 and the series-production of these trucks will start in 2024, ready for gradual autonomy.

The first 100 trucks will be rolled out to Fernride and Terberg’s customers in container terminals, production plants, and distribution centers to lower logistics costs, boost efficiency, and guarantee safety. [Read more…] about Fernride and Terberg partner to take automated terminal tractors into series production

Monarch launches ‘first commercially available’ autonomous electric tractor

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Monarch Tractor, maker of the MK-V, the fully electric, driver-optional, smart tractor, says the first tractors are now coming off the Founder Series production line at its headquarters and manufacturing facility in Livermore, California.

The rollout comes less than two years since Monarch unveiled its groundbreaking tractor that combines electrification, automation, and data analysis to help farmers reduce their carbon footprint, improve field safety, streamline farming operations, and increase their bottom lines.

Constellation Brands, the leading global premium, fine wine and craft spirits producer and largest beer importer in the US, has partnered with Monarch as its first customer, through its purchase of the first six Founder Series MK-V tractors. [Read more…] about Monarch launches ‘first commercially available’ autonomous electric tractor

AGCO’s Massey Ferguson plant produces one-millionth tractor

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AGCO, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of agricultural machinery, is celebrating the production of the one-millionth tractor at its Massey Ferguson Beauvais plant.

The company says this “significant milestone” coincides with the company’s 175th anniversary. Massey Ferguson has been manufacturing tractors in Beauvais, France since November 20, 1960.

Darren Parker, vice president of Massey Ferguson, North America, says: “2022 is a year of milestone celebrations for Massey Ferguson. We applaud the hard work and dedication of our colleagues in Beauvais to produce our one-millionth tractor. [Read more…] about AGCO’s Massey Ferguson plant produces one-millionth tractor

Monarch Tractor showcases ‘world’s first fully electric, driver-optional tractor’

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Monarch Tractor has been showcasing what it says is “the world’s first fully electric, driver-optional tractor” and has been selected for 2022 CES Innovation Award in the process.

The annual CES competition honors outstanding design and engineering in consumer technology products.

Monarch says it has been named a CES 2022 Innovation Awards Honoree and was honored in the Robotics category for its flagship MK-V tractor, which it says is “the first to deliver a convergence of electrification, automation and data analysis that empowers sustainable farming, increases efficiency and safety, and maximizes profitability for farmers”. [Read more…] about Monarch Tractor showcases ‘world’s first fully electric, driver-optional tractor’

John Deere reveals fully autonomous tractor at CES

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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

Seegrid introduces upgraded autonomous tow tractor

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Seegrid, a builder of autonomous mobile robots for material handling, has unveiled its Seegrid Palion Tow Tractor Series 8.

This upgraded version of the company’s automated tow tractor features enhanced Smart Path technology, increasing the robotic fleet’s ability to comprehend and make decisions while safely and reliably moving material in dynamic, high-traffic facilities.

Advances in Seegrid’s artificial intelligence allow Palion AMRs to see, understand, and learn using the company’s proprietary vision system. The robotic fleet has been performing and reporting on tasks safely and productively for more than 5 million autonomous miles for leading brands in manufacturing, e-commerce, and logistics sectors. [Read more…] about Seegrid introduces upgraded autonomous tow tractor

ANA and Toyota test autonomous towing vehicle at Tokyo airport

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All Nippon Airways, Japan’s largest airline, is partnering with Toyota Industries to conduct a test of the latest autonomous towing tractor in the restricted area at Tokyo Haneda Airport from March 29 to April 2, 2021. These trials be the first to take place at Haneda Airport.

Masaki Yokai, senior vice president of ANA, says: “Our work with Toyota Industries has led to several successful autonomous towing tractor tests that we have continually learned from.

“We are excited about the opportunity to take this technology one step further by running trials at Haneda Airport. As we work with Toyota Industries to create the Simple & Smart airport of the future, ANA remains committed to integrating advanced technology in order to improve the travel experience.” [Read more…] about ANA and Toyota test autonomous towing vehicle at Tokyo airport