Case IH’s vision on autonomy and automation

A turning point for ag has occurred, as the world population surpassed 8 billion. Case IH realizes it plays a vital role in increasing farmers’ productivity as they continue to feed the world. With fewer acres, resources and workers to accomplish it, the task is critical. The growing portfolio of Case IH ag technology solutions deliver autonomy and automation for the full farming cycle.

During the recently held CNH Industrial Tech Days in Phoenix, Arizona (USA), Case IH debuted innovations in a developing technology portfolio. “Case IH will continue to deliver technology that make farmers’ lives easier, make their operations more productive and help them thrive in their mission to feed an ever-growing population,” said Scott Harris Case IH global brand president.

The Tech Days announcements included two new autonomy and automation solutions, and a new electric tractor prototype:

• Driverless Tillage Solution — Case IH is building on its tractor and tillage platforms with Raven Autonomy to deliver an autonomous tillage solution. Raven Autonomy technology features an advanced perception and sensing system. Additionally, this driverless tillage solution uses AFS Soil Command tillage automation for ultimate agronomic and machine control of the implement. It provides site-specific tillage prescriptions to deliver the right soil management practice for every inch of soil. The result is increased productivity with consistent agronomic performance and richer data insights.

• Driver Assist Harvest Solution — Case IH is advancing productivity with a driver assist harvest solution that synchronizes combine and tractor functionality. Featuring Raven Autonomy technology, this union of tech allows the farmer to coordinate the path and speed of the tractor during an “unload on the go” operation while it keeps the tractor perfectly in sync with the combine when unloading. Farmer benefits include more-efficient operations, automated processes to reduce the need for skilled labor, less fatigue and less spilled grain.

• Electric Tractor Prototype — CNH Industrial also presented an electric tractor prototype, which will feature a Case IH model at release. This zero-emissions farming solution with autonomous features is a result of a collaboration with electrified ag innovator, Monarch Tractor.

Commercialization for these solutions will be announced at a later date.

Case IH has a strong legacy of innovation in Advanced Farming Systems (AFS). Most recent developments include the Trident 5550 applicator with Raven Autonomy, AFS Harvest Command combine automation, AFS Soil Command tillage automation, AIM Command FLEX advanced spray technology and Baler Automation. Case IH has and will continue to develop solutions for all farm segments and crop production cycles worldwide.

“The world has reached a turning point, resulting in a clear need for farmers and the industry to increase productivity. Case IH is responding to that need with technological, machine and method process advances throughout the value chain,” Harris said. “We’ll respond by continuing to advance our commitment to sustainability. We believe these developments are the foundation of a healthier, sustainable and more-productive farming ecosystem.”

The Case IH pipeline of innovation includes:

• Continuing to advance precision and agronomic technologies, helping farmers reduce nutrients and product applications as well as water usage, to support a cleaner world.

• Advancing alternative propulsion solutions to enhance the sustainability of farming, through aggressive developments in Electrification and co-development with Monarch Tractor.

• Rapidly innovating to meet the labor challenges farmers face across the globe, delivering functional automation and leading to a future of full autonomy.

• Expanding its digital technology suite with comprehensive development, such as seamless cloud-enabled data transfer and consolidation, mobile app and portal developments, and more.

A focus on the future

“We know the challenges our customers face, and we are developing solutions based on their needs: Case IH is building the future of ag technology,” Harris said. “We must challenge ourselves, challenge each other and take on the challenge together of revolutionizing farming. Our calling to innovate and enhance production has never been louder in our 180-year history, and we have never been more ready to answer that call.”