European Companies Boost Automation

European Companies Boost Automation COMPUTERS Claas AgXeed Vol 48 No 2 and Amazone Vol 40 No 2 are collaborating to accelerate the use of automated and autonomous farm machinery Entitled 3A Advanced Automation & Autonomy the aim is to accelerate the use of semi and fully-autonomous tractor/implement combinations A key feature is the expanded use of advanced planning analysis and on-the-go adjusting to real-time field conditions The companies have dedicated their expertise to the effort and opened it up to other companies to join The technology developed by the 3A group involves design and implementation software previously available only on autonomous field robots like AgBot It uses a standardized ISOBUS interface and the AgXeed box technology to run a tractor like a robot The technology opens up previously limited field use with a robot to other vehicles and implements Initially the effort is a European one “Plans are to introduce it in the North American market as well ” says John Schofield Claas of America “The timing hasn’t yet been announced The collaboration is open to others and already includes Müthing a German company specializing in mulchers ” The first few products developed by 3A are the Amazone AutoTill for mulch cultivators and Claas Autonomy connect AutoTill uses an electrified mulcher by Müthing The mulcher is equipped with sensors that communicate with AgBot or a tractor Claas Autonomy connect incorporates the entire tillage planning and implementation process There are many advantages to 3A technology products All operations are performed as planned and the best possible route is calculated ensuring optimal tractor-implement combinations and settings Sensors detect errors in the machine combination and correct them on the go such as adjusting the working depth and speed if the cultivator is at risk of clogging Operations are more energy-efficient and cost-effective Autonomous systems allow operators to be freed up for other tasks while on non-autonomous tractors Less skilled or experienced operators will be able to produce optimal results The 3A companies advise that product range and feature options may vary by country Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Claas of America www claasofamerica com Amazone www amazone net or AgXeed www agxeed com

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