Self-driving autonomous machines could be of great importance for agriculture and horticulture in the future, but for now, the conventional tractor remains indispensable on farms. This is stated by Dutch RaboResearch in an analysis of the use of robots in agriculture.
A significant barrier to the adoption of robots is the uncertainty regarding safety regulations (both for the operating machine and in terms of data protection).
Robots and self-driving tractors, which operate without direct control by a driver, could bring about a significant change in agriculture during harvesting, increasing productivity, precision applications, and easing labor. However, there is still a long way to go before this happens, according to the Rabo analysis.
Clear advantages
To make an autonomously driving tractor profitable, it must be evident that the device hoes better, sows better, treats plants better, or harvests better than conventional machinery. If there are no clear advantages over conventional systems, farmers will not quickly switch to the new machines.
In a market where specialized and experienced tractor drivers are becoming scarce, autonomously driving machines can be deployed, and often for longer periods than a conventional tractor. In principle, an autonomously driving machine can continue until its tank or battery is empty.
The use of autonomous machines can be profitable in two ways: by reducing operating costs and by increasing yields.
Various developments
There are various developments ongoing in multiple fields. However, regulation is hindering progress, as is the fact that many small companies with limited resources are working on the development of new machines. It is expected that more uniform standards will emerge in the coming years, which may also stimulate the development of new machines. In the European Union, there will not be a regulatory framework for industrial standards before 2027, according to the analysis.
Large companies are active in the market for self-driving tractors. John Deere, Case IH, New Holland, Kubota, Yanmar, Claas en Monarch Tractor are mentioned in the Rabo analysis.
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