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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."

3 of 173 comments (clear)

  1. Collision Detection by rf0 · · Score: 3, Interesting

    This seems very cool and everything but I wonder how "automatic" these are and do they have any collision detection. I can't help but picture the tractor going along, hitting a kangeroo and then all hell break loose. Never underestimate the unexpected

    Rus

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    1. Re:Collision Detection by vissy · · Score: 3, Interesting

      The driver is still required to turn the tractor at the end of each run. After this the driver hits the engage button and the system takes over to steer the tractor to about 2cm accuracy. The driver is responsible for collision detection.

      In the end the driver has reduced fatigue due to not having to make small steering corrections along a run and he can focus more on what his implement at the back is doing, i.e. is it the right height etc.

      As the article says, there are huge benifits to always driving on the same track. In addition to what the article says, the piece of dirt that you are driving along does get compacted because you always drive down the same piece, this means that it becomes more road-like which significantly reduces diesel usage and tracktor wear and tear. This makes the technology even more enviromentally friendly.

  2. How odd by Nidhogg · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I work for Cat dealer and I was told about this some months ago by our Agriculture Manager. It's already offered in the Challenger MT700 models. In fact there are already quite a few in operation. And oh by the way, John Deere (enemy!), is also offering it in some models.

    Depending on how much you want to spend on these tractors you can have an accuracy down to 8 inches per pass in the field.

    Of course when he told me this all I could think of was Evil Plan #234.

    1. Hack the Omnistar system.
    2. Assume control of all Challenger tractors in Indiana.
    3. Plow under Terre Haute.

    Hey we all have our own little dreams...