Less steering, more focus on ploughing
When ploughing becomes more automated, you want to know what happens to the guidance line, working width and ploughing result. Wageningen Research tested the GeoPlough ISO plough control system developed by Vantage Agrometius during regular ploughing work. Automatic straight-line driving worked stably and accurately in this practical test. Adjusting the working width still needed further development. This test contributes to the further development of automated solutions for open-field farming within Handsfree Agrifood.
Broad knowledge question
Automatic straight-line driving requires less attention from the operator
Ploughing is not only about following a straight line. This practical test looked at the operation and user experience of automatic plough control. With automatic straight-line driving, the driver needs to pay less attention to the guidance line. This reduces the need for manual steering corrections and lowers the operator's mental workload.
Approach
It's not just about driving straight, but also making accurate corrections
The GeoPlough ISO plough control system was tested during regular ploughing work. The test looked at different automatic functions and at how the system responded to changes during ploughing. Ease of use, reliability and the support experienced by the driver were also included. In that work, what matters is not only whether the line stays straight, but also what a correction does to the ploughing result.
Goal
Straight-line driving performs well, working width control needs improvement
The objective was to determine which ploughing functions can already be carried out automatically and reliably, and which functions still need further development. Automatic straight-line driving requires less attention from the operator. When adjusting the working width, the operator still needs to monitor the ploughing result closely.
Results and reflection
Automatic straight-line driving works well, working width control needs further development
The outcomes show where automatic plough control already supported the driver in this practical test and where further development is still The test shows which functions already provide reliable support for the operator and which still need improvement.
Successes
Automatic straight-line driving worked stably and accurately.
Users experienced this as clear support during ploughing.
The driver had to pay less attention to following the guidance line. As a result, the mental strain during ploughing decreased.
Learning points
Automatic adjustment of the working width proved less robust.
Abrupt corrections can lead to a less even ploughing result.
Further development and testing under different conditions are needed to assess these functions more clearly.