At first glance, the T8 Blue Power tractor on display may have looked like a normal tractor to the numerous visitors who packed New Holland’s stand at the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, Aug. 30. But once the first images of the video dedicated to the tractor and its incredible operational capacities appeared on the screen, everyone understood that they were witnessing a glimpse into the future of farming, one that could feature fully autonomous machinery: something which could redefine the agriculture of tomorrow.
Evolution based on efficiency, sustainability
Developed by CNH Industrial in collaboration with its longstanding technology provider Autonomous Solutions, Inc. (ASI), a Utah-based company specializing in off-road autonomous solutions, the New Holland NHDrive is a fully autonomous, unmanned tractor that can be monitored and controlled via a desktop computer or portable tablet interface. This enables growers to access tractor and implement data wherever they are—checking fields from the comfort of their pickup, tending livestock, or at home. This facilitates right-time decision-making to enhance operational efficiency and productivity. Furthermore, growers will maintain full control and ownership of their data.
A path-plotting screen shows the tractor’s progress while another shows its live camera feed, providing the user with up to four real-time views (two front and two rear). A further screen enables monitoring and modification of key machine and implement parameters such as engine speed, fuel levels and implement settings, including seeding rate or coulter downforce. The route to the field can also be planned, should this involve private roads or tracks.
The NHDrive concept tractor is equipped with a seeder and is able to autonomously seed the next crop straight behind the combine. Using an application installed on a portable device, perfect for supervised automation, such as an operator driving a combine, or on a desktop computer, perfect for the farmer working in his farm office, the tractor and implement parameters can be continually monitored and controlled, and changes can be made if necessary.
Able to work 24/7 days if desired, the NHDrive helps to reduce the risks associated with human error as it follows predetermined and optimized plans for all activities. It is able to reach higher levels of productivity and efficiency than traditional methods. The NHDrive can make full use of periods of favorable weather—which is sometimes hard to come by—for farming operations by working day and night.
In the future, the NHDrive will be able to completely automate grain handling during harvest when equipped with a trailer, including unloading, transport and offloading activities.
Maximum flexibility
The NHDrive concept tractor is equipped with a cab that is completely identical to that of a standard T8. This means it can also be used for those operations where complete autonomy is not yet possible, such as front loader work and high-speed road transport.
With regards to getting around the farm, the NHDrive can travel on pre-mapped private paths. Growers can simply “tell” it where to go and what it has to do once it has reached its destination via private tracks, and the tractor will get to work, either individually or in a convoy.
The NHDrive makes full use of the advanced PLM (precision land management) technology for precision farming. This technology is easy to use, is always accessible to all users, and is continuously supported by New Holland specialists.
The NHDrive follows optimized in-field paths, which are automatically generated by the software, after having taken into account the size and shape of the field, any pre-existing obstacles and the width of the implement to be used. Furthermore, it will be fully compatible with the full suite of PLM solutions. In the future, this concept will be able to utilize previously collected yield data for the variable application of inputs and to carry out operations with maximum precision. The results are increased operating efficiency and the ability to make the most of short operating windows.
The NHDrive is able to work alongside other autonomous machines and can also work in tandem with machines driven by an operator.Thanks to a combination of radar, LiDAR (range-finding lasers) and RGB cameras, the NHDrive is able to detect a wide range of in-field obstacles. If an obstacle is detected, the tractor sends a message to the interactive interface and the person responsible for the farming operations will decide if and how the tractor can avoid or bypass the obstacle.
It is conceivable that in the future, the complete tractor range as well as other agricultural equipment could be equipped with the NHDrive technology. It is also possible that the cab will be completely removed in future autonomous tractors.
Ten years of sustainable technologies
The preview of New Holland’s NHDrive autonomous concept tractor represents one of the most significant milestones surrounding the 10th anniversary celebration of New Holland’s Clean Energy Leader strategy. Since 2006, this strategy has promoted the use of renewable fuels and developed technologies targeted at reducing the environmental impact of farming activities and maximizing farming efficiency and productivity.
The further development of the NHDrive tractor will be a key element of New Holland’s future PLM strategy and represents the ultimate expression of the “doing more with less” concept: more work, more efficiency, more productivity, more flexibility in operating decisions, all based on precise data—all with optimized use of inputs, reduced costs and consumption, and less human fatigue.