Giant drone and autonomous tractor are presented by John Deere at Agritechnica

John Deere brought several new features linked to Precision agriculture to this year's Agritechnica, in the space called Technological Zone of the Future. Nine different product developments and research projects in the areas of electrification, autonomy through automation and artificial intelligence show how agriculture could function even more sustainably and productively in the future.

Two products attract visitors' attention: the autonomous electric tractor and the high-capacity drone, called VoloDrone.

AUTONOMOUS TRACTOR

The autonomous electric tractor, one of the fair's attractions, is a new autonomous tractor concept from John Deere that features a very compact electric drive unit with integrated attachment. The tractor has a total power of 500kW and can be equipped with wheels or tracks. Flexible ballast from 5 to 15 tons is possible, depending on application, to help reduce soil compaction. Thanks to the electric drive, there are no pollutant emissions during operation and noise levels are extremely low. Other advantages promised by John Deere are resistance and low maintenance costs.

VOLO DRONE

The other highlight is the VoloDrone, a large drone, developed together with the company Volocopter. It has a diameter of 9,2m and is powered by 18 rotors. It has an all-electric drive with replaceable lithium-ion batteries. One battery charge allows a flight time of up to 30 minutes, and it can be operated remotely and automatically on a pre-programmed route. The drone structure is equipped with a flexible connection system for a standardized payload of up to 200kg. This means that different devices can be mounted on the structure depending on the application. For crop protection, the large drone is equipped with two liquid tanks, a pump and a spray bar. Flights can be carried out at low altitudes and it is possible to cover an area of ​​up to 6ha/h.

This first major agricultural drone is the result of a collaboration between John Deere, which brings knowledge of farmers' needs, and Urban Air Mobility pioneer Volocopter, whose flying taxis form the technological basis of VoloDrone.
Both companies see great potential for using the VoloDrone in agriculture, with capabilities ranging from difficult topography to greater efficiency in the use of crop protection agents. Appropriate flight and application tests will be carried out with the VoloDrone sprayer during the next harvest season.

MORE NEWS

Other high-tech innovations are also being showcased in John Deere's Future Technology Zone at Agritechnica 2019. These include the eAutoPowr, the first continuously variable transmission with an electromechanical power split, which took the show's gold medal. Also highlighted in the space are an autonomous sprayer, semi-autonomous electric tractor; Artificial Intelligence Blue River technology and the cockpit of the future, where John Deere presents a completely new operational concept. By integrating real-time weather data, individual presets and task management procedures, the cab becomes the command center for agricultural operations.