In addition to driverless cars, efforts are on to implement autonomous technologies in the farming sector. In India, manufacturers like Mahindra and Escorts are developing similar technologies that could benefit the average Indian farmer. 

Escorts recently showcased an autonomous tractor concept. It uses the internet of things (IOT) concept and artificial intelligence (AI) tools developed by Microsoft. Escorts has also partnered with Bosch and Reliance Jio for this project.

In September 2017, Mahindra had unveiled its first driverless tractor. It uses a GPS-based technology to autonomously maneuver itself around the farm and can be operated using a tablet. 

Mumbai-based start-up AutoNXT Automation has developed an autonomous electric tractor called the Hulk. It uses cameras and software to navigate around a farm. 

According to the company, only 18% of farmers who own more than 5 acres of land can afford to own a tractor. Therefore, a majority of farmers in India prefer to rent a tractor. The average cost of renting a diesel-powered tractor is about Rs. 1,500 per acre per hour. The company claims that renting their electric tractor would only cost Rs. 350 per hour.

Source: LiveMint

Mahindra has launched two variants of the Arjun Novo tractor in India. The Novo 65 HP and Novo 75 HP are offered in 2WD and 4WD variants with prices starting at Rs. 9.99 lakh for the 65 HP 2WD model and Rs. 12.5 lakh for the 75 HP 4WD variant (ex-showroom, Maharashtra).

The Mahindra Novo range of tractors come in an open station design with optional AC cabin. They have features like 4-way adjustable and air-suspended seat (AC cabin variant), tilt steering, suspended pedals, instrument cluster with diagnostic indicator, car-like combination switch and a twin position single button hood opening. The company is planning to introduce tractors with integrated cabins in India in the near future. 

The export version has additional features like push button start stop, digital instrument cluster with auto diagnostic indicator, 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, DRLs, power shuttle option for clutch free forward and reverse, air-conditioning with heater and ventilation, immobilizer, rear view camera and tiretronics.

The tractors are designed specifically for the 65-75 HP segment and have a high lift capacity and hydraulic systems, which make them suitable for various farming operations. The Arjun Novo 655 DI is powered by a 3.5-litre, in-line 4-cylinder diesel engine that puts out 65 HP @ 2,100 rpm and is mated to a 15-speed transmission with 15 reverse ratios. The Novo 755 DI has the same engine but with 75 HP. It has a 15-speed transmission with 3 reverse ratios. Both models have a peak torque of 305 Nm and back up torque of 28%. The creep function limits the speed of the tractors to 0.4 km/h and both come with provision for front PTO drive. The hydraulic pump has a flow rate of 56 Ipm and the system is capable of lifting up to 2,600 kg.

The Mahindra Novo range is available in one colour option - Metallic Deep Red Paint with a decal.

Mahindra has unveiled a driverless tractor in India. The vehicle has been developed at the Mahindra Research Valley in Chennai and is scheduled to go on sale next year in a phased manner. 

The driverless tractor is equipped with features such as:

• Autosteer - a GPS-based system that enables the tractor to travel in a straight line
• Auto-headland turn - enables the tractor to orient itself along adjacent rows without the need for steering input
• Auto-implement lift - enables the tractor to automatically lift the work tool from the ground at the end of a row and lower it after it has oriented itself for operation at the next row
• Skip - enables the tractor to steer to the next row for continuous operation without the driver's intervention

The tractor can also be controlled via a tablet. A farmer can program various inputs needed and prevent the vehicle from veering off from its intended path or desired operation. It also comes with a feature known as Geofence lock, which the company claims, prevents it from leaving the boundaries of a farm and a remote engine start stop system that has the ability to stop the engine and bring the tractor to a complete stop in the event of an emergency.

According to Mahindra, this autonomous technology will feature across all Mahindra tractor platforms ranging from 20 HP to 100 HP in the near future. The company also plans to introduce driverless tractors in international markets including USA and Japan.

Sonalika ITL has launched a new tractor range that has specifically been engineered and developed for potato farming. This new range includes four new tractors: DI 745 III, DI 745 III Rx, DI 60 MM Super and DI 60 MM Super Rx. These tractors are currently available in major potato growing markets of Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Sonalika claims that the new range of tractors has been customized in accordance with the needs and problems faced by potato farmers. One of the biggest limitations of using tractors in potato farms is the wastage due to crushing. However, Sonalika claims to have adjusted the track width of these models in accordance with potato farming implements, thus minimizing chances of crushing potatoes.

Further, these tractors get a smaller turning radius that helps in manoeuvring it between the tracks of potato farming. They are also equipped with specially designed hydraulics that enhance their performance on well-drained soil, something that is essential for potato farming.

Out of the four launched tractors in the potato farming range, the DI 745 III and DI 745 III Rx are placed in the 47 HP category, while the DI 60 MM Super and DI 60 MM Super Rx are a part of the 55 HP category.

Mahindra & Mahindra has launched a technology platform named DiGiSENSE, which connects all Mahindra vehicles, including tractors, trucks and construction equipment, to the cloud. This allows owners, fleet operators, drivers, dealers, and service teams to have access to detailed information about the vehicle's real-time performance.

The platform will allow the driver to contact Emergency Services and share his location. Fleet owners can use DiGiSENSE to track the real time location of their vehicle. Additionally, the platform will also allow service teams to access performance figures and various other parameters of the vehicle on a real time basis. This remote diagnosis will help in ensuring vehicle health and improving its productivity.

The technology provides data such as route planning, delivery tracking, vehicle utilisation reports, trip optimisation, alerts and machine hour operations, and geo fencing.

Initially, the DiGiSENSE platform will be available in two small commercial vehicles - Jeeto and Imperio, along with the Arjun Novo tractor, the Blazo truck and the Earthmaster in the construction equipment space. It will eventually be spread across the entire Mahindra portfolio, and will be available as a subscription-based service.

Sonalika ITL has unveiled its first 120 BHP tractor. This new tractor has been placed under the company's international brand name - Solis. The Sonalika ITL Solis 120 has been manufactured and developed in India, and will be exported to many global markets. The first markets to get the Solis 120 would be Latin America and Africa, which are the biggest overseas markets for the automaker.

The Solis 120 is powered by a six-cylinder, turbocharged engine with a 24+24 gearbox. The powertrain setup gives the tractor a lifting capacity of 4,500 kg.

With the new Solis 120 tractor, Sonalika aims to compete with brands like John Deere and New Holland in the international markets. The Indian manufacturer also aims to gain a respectable market share in China and USA.

Mahindra & Mahindra will be working on driverless tractors in the near future. This information was revealed by the company's Chairman and Managing Director, Anand Mahindra at the company's 70th annual general meeting.

Mahindra acknowledges the fact that driverless tractors will have a huge impact on the food production of the country. Moreover, since the tractors will need to mostly work in fields, the chances of accidents and collision are very remote. Hence, it would not be that hard to develop a driverless tractor, especially in comparison to an autonomous car that needs to deal with the congestion of city, traffic rules and road signs.

The Mahindra Group is already India's only home-grown manufacturer that has pure-electric cars on sale, under the Mahindra Electric brand name. The Group has also started tapping the shared mobility segment with its Tringgo platform that allows farmers to hire a tractor depending on their needs. The company also operates the Smartshift goods transportation business that is often referred to as the OLA and Uber of small commercial vehicles.

Source: ET Auto

Escorts Limited, an Indian tractor manufacturer, today announced its plans to foray into the international markets. In order to achieve this aim, Escorts launched 13 new tractors that have been specifically built while keeping in mind the requirements of the international customers.

In-line with a new strategic approach to strengthen its hold and increase its market share across the globe, Escorts has launched 13 new tractors. These have been placed under three brands of the company - Farmtrac, Powertrac, and Euroline series. The said tractors have been manufactured to compete in the newer and extreme horse power range of 12 BHP to 108 BHP.

In order to be compliant with the international emission norms, the new Escorts tractors have been equipped with improved CRDi engines. The company claims that their new tractors are aesthetically superior, fuel efficient, and powerful, than those offered by their direct competitor manufacturers.

Escorts would be manufacturing these tractors in India, which will then be exported to markets like South America, Brazil, South Africa, Turkey, Thailand, Europe, United States, and the ASEAN region.

The Government of Karnataka has adopted the Uber model for agricultural services - for providing tractors and other farm equipment to the state's farmers. The state government plans to overcome the problem of shortage of labour for farmers with this move.

According to the government, farmers in Karnataka have been complaining of non-availability of labour. The state is investing Rs. 175 crore in the scheme under which, farmers will be able to rent equipment over a period of three years. The government pays 75% of the capital cost and manufacturers earn money by renting the equipment to the farmers. Officials are of the opinion that by adopting this method, cost to farmers would come down by nearly a third.

The state government has tied up with manufacturers such as John Deere and Mahindra & Mahindra to supply farm equipment on demand to farmers across the state. Most of the farmers own small pieces of land and find it difficult to justify investment in equipment. Hiring machinery will not put a heavy financial burden on them.

Earlier this month, Mahindra introduced Trringo - a tractor and farm equipment rental service (click here to read report). 

Source: Business Standard

Mahindra has announced its entry in the tractor and farm equipment rental market, with the launch of Trringo. It is a service offered to farmers of the country which would make tractors and farm equipment more accessible, operated on a franchisee based model. The farmers will be charged based on their usage.

Trringo is a technology driven model, using a digital platform to process orders and pass them to the nearest franchisee. It provides service through a dedicated mobile application as well as a toll-free number. A franchisee could also tie-up with tractor owners in the vicinity enabling them to rent out equipment to farmers on a commission basis.

A second C2C business model has been introduced too, wherein farmers who own expensive, high-end equipment have the option of renting out their assets, based on seasonal demand, geographies etc. The asset owners and users can connect with each other through the mobile app.

The tractor and farm equipment rental market is currently valued at about Rs. 15,000 crore annually. With Trringo's organized rental business model for farm equipment, Mahindra aims to penetrate this lucrative sector. Operations will begin in June 2016 and will scale up to 5 states by August 2016.