Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Satellite Driven Farming Equipment

Posted by michael on from the judgement-day-that-much-closer dept.

ravenousbugblatter writes "An article at CNN discusses how Australian scientists are using GPS to automatically drive tractors and other farming equipment on predetermined tracks. The technology is encouraged because it can prevent water loss associated with the repeated compaction of soil from heavy farming equipment."

14 of 173 comments (clear)

  1. all hail John Deere! by sweeney37 · · Score: 4, Funny

    I, for one, welcome our new tractor overlords.

    Mike

    1. Re:all hail John Deere! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      Not me. I'm installing a tinfoil tractor cab.

  2. YEEHAW by TheOnyx · · Score: 5, Funny

    It's the beginning of the Redneck Skynet!

    --
    "Do not hold strong opinions about things you do not understand."
  3. Too bad by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    They can't control the genetically modified crops with GPS. Then you wouldn't have to worried about your crops becoming infected with someone's IP.

  4. Much, much worse by creative_name · · Score: 2, Funny

    Repeated compaction and water loss might be a problem, but just wait until one of these badboys gets out of hand and ends up mowing down some precious kangaroo farm. Then we'll see who gives a damn about how compact their soil is.

    Just you wait.

    --
    Posting as directed.
    1. Re:Much, much worse by EvilTwinSkippy · · Score: 2, Funny

      Just imagine how many hooligans are going to be leaving compacted soil samples in their drawers after stumbling onto a field and having an automated farm equipment nearly run them over.

      --
      "Learning is not compulsory... neither is survival."
      --Dr.W.Edwards Deming
    2. Re:Much, much worse by FooGoo · · Score: 2, Funny

      ummmm...well....okay....here goes....

      If it where my kangaroo farm i'd be hopping mad. ...sorry

      --
      People who bite the hand that feeds them usually lick the boot that kicks them
  5. GPS Inaccuracies by paul248 · · Score: 2, Funny

    Now they'll have to figure out how to prevent property loss associated with the repeated compaction of buildings from heavy misguided farming equipment...

  6. Bad idea... by aardwolf204 · · Score: 2, Funny

    This is a very bad idea. I hear GPS gives coords. backwards in the land down under. =P

    --
    Im dreaming ofa big bndwdth, That can resist the /.crowd.May ur days b merry & bright & may al
  7. Wait a second... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    ...Possibly this can explain those crop circles coming in from outer space...

  8. Crop Circles by zachster · · Score: 5, Funny

    This innovation should advance the artistry of crop circles immesurably. No longer must we risk capture and incarceration in persuit of out artistic dreams. Now our wildest imaginings can be realized all from the comfort of our satelite relay stations.

    I offer a $100K reward to the first hack who can build me am etch-a-sketch driven combine.

    1. Re:Crop Circles by EvilTwinSkippy · · Score: 2, Funny
      Had Michaelangelo such a versatile tool, who knows what the ceiling of the sistine chappel might look like?

      I'm picturing a monochromic gray, accented with thin black lines.

      --
      "Learning is not compulsory... neither is survival."
      --Dr.W.Edwards Deming
  9. unintended consequences... by sstory · · Score: 3, Funny

    Be careful about how the "Home" button's programmed.

  10. Re:Collision Detection by switcha · · Score: 2, Funny
    And hitting a kangaroo is of course impossible with a human driver?

    You say that like it's a bad thing. One of my greatest joys as a youth out combining grass seed, was watching mice try to run the "combine belt treadmill" and stay out of the spinning jaws of the thresher.

    Does this make me sick?

    --
    You know what? ... A little club soda *did* get that out!