Hands-free farming enables efficient and sustainable operations
The transition to autonomous and electric vehicles is profoundly transforming the open field cultivation sector. This project focuses on the development, testing, and validation of an autonomous vehicle platform. The combination of electrification and autonomous driving leads to more sustainable operations, cost savings, and a strengthened market position for Dutch OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers).
Context of Use Case 3
Autonomy and electrification as drivers of innovation
The agricultural sector is under pressure to operate more sustainably and efficiently. This project, led by Vantage Agrometius, is developing a system-independent platform for autonomous vehicles. By integrating GPS technology, steering systems, and safety sensors, it creates a versatile solution that supports small and medium-sized Dutch OEMs in the transition to autonomous farming. As a result, the competitive position of Dutch technology companies is strengthened against international players such as John Deere and AGCO.
"The autonomous combinations result in hands-free soil operations, allowing the operator/grower to reinvest the freed-up labor into other activities."
Public summaries of Use Case 3
Validation of electric tractor
Contribution to the ecosystem and the sector
From testing to real-world application
This project contributes to the broader ecosystem of the NXTGEN Hightech Agrifood sector by:
Organizing open days at test sites to promote knowledge sharing
Strengthening international marketing and strategic positioning of Dutch technology companies
Actively engaging in dialogue with policymakers on regulations surrounding autonomous agriculture
Creating value for end users through advanced data processing and task-oriented mapping
Conducting validation from both technical and economic perspectives for various stakeholders
Developing environmental impact analyses, with a focus on CO₂ reduction through electrification
Deliverables Use Case 3
Accelerating autonomous agricultural technology
Development and validation of autonomously operating tractor-implement combinations
Creation of a brand-independent platform for control and communication software
Accelerated development of GPS communication modules and software for autonomous systems
Validation of autonomous tractors specifically for open field soil cultivation
Development of electrically powered tractors and implements for light tillage operations
Added value for Human Capital
New skills and training for an autonomous future
The adoption of autonomous and electric vehicles requires new competencies in agriculture. That’s why the focus is on:
Training end users to enable broad implementation of the technology
Educating supplier personnel to ensure optimal support for the new systems
Developing high-quality technical talent within the Netherlands to strengthen the sector and accelerate innovation
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