Leading global manufacturer, Doosan Bobcat recently unveiled the industry's first autonomous and electric articulating tractor – the Bobcat AT450X enabled by leading software and services company, Agtonomy at CES 2024, which took place at the Las Vegas Convention Centre from 9-12 January this year
The battery-powered AT450X combines Bobcat’s tough and versatile articulating tractor with Agtonomy’s software and embedded-computing technology to support emissions-free and autonomous operation, thus allowing farmers to automate labour- and time-intensive tasks.
The machine leverages AI to constantly learn and dynamically react to its environment. For example, through vision-based systems, it can detect known and unknown objects to auto-stop operation if needed. It can also detect crop stems from weeds, for more precise spraying applications and reduced chemical usage.
Capable of 24/7 operation, the AT450X can swap batteries when it needs to replenish its energy source. It does this by returning to its home base when its battery is low, switching to a fully charged battery and placing its drained battery back to its charging station. Due to zero emissions produced, the autonomous tractor can also be operated in food storage facilities and other enclosed farm structures. The battery-powered tractor can also lower operating and maintenance costs for owners.
To operate, users plot the machine’s mission path through Agtonomy’s mobile application, which allows the end user to easily plan, execute and monitor jobs running on an unlimited number of connected machines simultaneously which can yield a positive ROI for owners. Moreover, the AT450X can also navigate on slopes with attachments following the ground contour for professional results in one pass.
“By digitally transforming the equipment farmers know and trust, we can help them combat the daily challenges they face, such as labor constraints and the ever-increasing demand for sustainable farming practices in specialty crops,” said CEO and co-founder of Agtonomy, Tim Bucher. “The Bobcat AT450X with Agtonomy’s TeleFarmer technology makes the perfect end-to-end solution for agriculture and other industries allowing both companies to make a positive impact and that is what it is all about.”
For more information, visit: https://www.bobcat.com/na/en and www.agtonomy.com
