Raven Introduces VSN Visual Guidance Technology

Raven do Brasil is once again expanding its product line to help small and large producers increase their efficiency and profit. The new visual guidance system, VSN, uses a sensor with new technology and processing to offer fast response and better control. The VSN maintains line orientation at the spraying speed required by the industry – from when plants are 10 centimeters high, reaching 90% of the canopy – without the need to use mechanical sensors.

Watch the video below and learn more about Raven do Brasil's application technology:

The platform, which has already been filed for patent, uses a contactless stereo camera to navigate the lines, allowing the operator to maintain his focus on other important aspects of spraying. This improved control tool and simplicity of operation results in less crop damage and a larger area of ​​coverage each day, providing greater profit through improved application efficiency and yield.

VSN expands Raven's premier guidance and guidance portfolio. The versatility of the system has been validated for use in corn, soybean, cotton and sorghum plantations (among other crops); It is easy to calibrate, requiring only one time in the field and allows spraying speeds to exceed 32 km/h. Additionally, VSN offers 3 modes of operation to handle the variety of situations the customer may face.

“We are excited to announce the new VSN™ visual guidance system,” said Raven Application Technology Vice President & General Manager Brian Meyer. “It is seamlessly integrated into our complete system of solutions, so application across different crops is simpler than ever. In these challenging times, small farmers need to make innovative decisions to improve their efficiency and profitability, they are constantly asked to cover more area in a shorter time without compromising the quality of production. VSN is helping small producers maintain a high level of precision and effectiveness in application across the entire planted area.”

The simplicity of the VSN product has been well received by early adopters, who are achieving greater speeds. It presents less damage to the plantation and product overlap.

“I was surprised at how simple the system is,” said Jason Bolsen, an applicator at Nutrien Ag Solution (agricultural input consultancy) in Cerro Gordo, Illinois, with 24 years of spraying experience. “You got into a line, walked 15 meters, pressed the button and you didn’t have to worry until you reached the end of the line.” After seeing the system in action, Bolsen said he hopes the impact of the visual guidance system is put to good use by the industry.

“This is the biggest advancement for line sprayers,” Bolsen said. “In my opinion, this is as big a leap as what we saw with the beginning of bar demarcation systems on GPS maps. VSN increases my ability to do good work because I can focus my attention on other factors and obstacles in the field. And, at the end of the day, I'm not tired from constantly trying to keep the bar and equipment in the correct application position.”