Case IH confirms autonomous tractor for AgQuip

Following on from the public debut of its Autonomous Concept Vehicle (ACV) in the US last August, Case IH has confirmed its advanced driverless, cabless tractor is heading to Gunnedah's AgQuip field day event, to be staged in the NSW town over August 22 to 24.

The first time the sleek concept machine has been showcased before the Australian public, Case IH says the ACV has the potential to revolutionise agriculture.

The vehicle created a huge stir when it first broke cover at the Farm Progress event in Boone, Iowa, last year, where it was demonstrated to operate autonomously with a wide range of field implements.

Window to the future
According to Case IH Australian New Zealand marketing manager, Pete McCann, the vehicle is now set to do exactly the same here in Australia.

"The ACV is a glimpse into the future for agriculture and proof of the impact technology is having on our industry," he said.

"No one could have imagined a driverless tractor 10 years ago, but the ACV shows us that one day they could be a reality. It's the perfect example of the possibilities before us and the fact the next big revolution in agriculture could be just around the corner.

"To be able to bring the ACV to Australia and show it to AgQuip visitors is very exciting for all of the Case IH team."

While the ACV will serve as a focal point for the Case IH stand at AgQuip, the brand will be celebrating multiple milestones in Gunnedah, including the firm's 175th anniversary and the anniversaries of a number of its products, including the Steiger Quadtrac (20 years), Patriot sprayer (25 years) and Axial-Flow combine (40 years).

Rare opportunity
The ACV will be on display for the three days of the event, with an opportunity for visitors to get up close to the vehicle and learn more about its capabilities from Case IH representatives from America.

Rob Zemenchik, Global Product Manager for Advanced Farming Systems (AFS), said autonomous tractor operations potentially offered producers more control, monitoring capabilities and cost savings through greater efficiencies with tasks like tillage, planting, spraying and harvesting.

Rob said an operator could potentially supervise the activities of multiple machines via a tablet or desktop computer while completing other tasks, and a number of autonomous tractors could work together on the one task or on multiple tasks simultaneously.

The ACV's onboard system automatically accounts for implement widths and plots the most efficient paths depending on terrain, obstructions and other machines in the vicinity.

Changing times
Mr McCann said you didn't need to be a farmer to appreciate the potential industry impact the ACV represents.

"You don't have to come from the land or own a tractor to appreciate just how special this concept vehicle is," he said.

"Autonomous operations are being considered across many industries and the Case IH ACV is one of the finest indications of what we may see in the not-too-distant future."

The ACV will reach Australian shores next week and make its way by road to Gunnedah, providing the chance for people to see it along the way.

"If you see it on the highway or heading through your town, take a photo and share it with us on social media using the hashtag #CaseIHACVinOz," said Mr McCann.

"The ACV's going to provide quite a spectacle on the road to AgQuip, so keep an eye out for it."