Agricultural future is in robotics
We recently looked at alternative modes of combustion for farming tractors. However, with the increased demand for technological improvement, Japanese diesel engine producer Yanmar has developed a unique Robot Tractor that seems set to revolutionise the agricultural sector.
What is a Robot Tractor?
Yanmar's concept, named the YT01, is a collaboration between Yanmar and Hokkaido University. The idea behind a complete autonomous tractor is for farms to need fewer workers, yet increase production at a constantly measurable rate. With a shrinking workforce, which is also ageing as young people choose to pursue careers in other fields, driverless tractors might just be the long-sought-after answer that the agricultural industry needs. The tractor, as a machine, also works harder on average than any other agricultural machine, from soil cultivation through to harvest. This makes it the ideal test subject in this scenario.
The company is also currently applying its autonomous technology to other machines within the industry, such as combine harvesters. Yanmar’s aim is to bring additional speed, safety, and accuracy to the farm, which in turn will make agriculture a more accessible and profitable profession.
Will robotic in agriculture save us?
Here’s the problem: It is estimated that the global population will increase to around 9.6 billion by the year 2050. To feed this population, we will have to double our food production, because, at the current rate, we will almost certainly run out of food. The other negative issue is climate change, which is having a drastic effect on agriculture and the conditions in which to operate.
Take a low rainfall area that is now experiencing heavy downpours as an example. Large machines can get stuck in the fields, causing downtime and ultimately a loss of production. It is for this reason that huge investments are being made into the robotics industry. Proof can be seen when we look at NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization), which has confirmed that the size of the robotics industry market in Japan is expected to expand significantly from 2.9 trillion Yen in 2020 to an estimated 9.7 trillion Yen by the year 2035. It is already confirmed that the price of development of autonomous technology has fallen ten-fold, which means that more engineers can now enter an expanding segment.
For example, Utsunomiya University in Japan and NARO have developed the world’s first strawberry-harvester robot. Strawberries become damaged when touched by human hands, but this harvester is capable of harvesting without touching the fruit, based on relative colour identification and accurate visual confirmation of the ripeness of the strawberry and its stem angle. The harvester is capable to operate at night, and does not need rest either, which increases productivity. The same will apply to tractors and other implements: they will be able to work around the clock with less human intervention.
This will enable production increases, and with the addition of alternative energy sources such as electrical operation or methane, the fundamental cost to run a fleet of machines will be considerably lower than before.
What does the Robot Tractor offer?
As mentioned, the Robot Tractor (or YT01 in this case) will enable one operator to control two tractors, which in turn allows for more efficient work. The tractor will also be fitted with state-of-the-art sensors, which will enable it to avoid obstacles and ultimately prevent a collision. The tractors will also use GPS tracking which will enable them to send vital telemetry data back to the operator. This will provide for data collection, and the ability to analyse the data to streamline operations. Operation of the tractor will be done via a smart tablet, and the company is currently developing and testing the software. The engine control unit (ECU) automatically optimizes engine speed and travel speed, depending on operating conditions. The cabin offers various cameras which enable the operator to select various views. If an operator is needed on-board, the YT01 offers a spacious and comfortable cabin.
Tomorrow’s technology today
Currently, Hokkaido University is working on developing and implementing the ability to run multiple machines at the same time. This technology is currently being tested at the university, with Yanmar tractors autonomously doing various tasks such as ploughing, seeding and rolling of hay bales.