Deere goes driverless

14 December 2001




Deere goes driverless

ITS not just Munich firm Geo Tech that is surging ahead with GPS-based driverless tractor systems. John Deere had a set-up on show for driverless tractors for spraying orchards and vineyards.

The choice of this sector of the farming industry is deliberate; orchards and vineyards require relatively heavy doses of spray that tend to swirl about the tractor cab. So removing the driver entirely would have considerable health attractions.

But only testbed machines have been produced so far, said Deeres Dr Oliver Neumann, and no date for production has been set. Safety obstacles as much as engineering problems have to be overcome before that can happen. &#42

Latest player in the driverless tractor camp is John Deere.


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