Establishing Automated Vehicle Navigation as a Reality for Production Agriculture

Abstract

The navigation of agricultural machines by automated methods has been the dream of numerous researchers for over 80 years. However, automatic and autonomous navigation has been an elusive goal due to the sophisticated structure required to achieve a socially acceptable result. Many of the technological barriers of automation have been recently eliminated by the advancements in sensors, computers, and vehicle systems. Still a number of advancements are required in the enhancement of safety, simplicity of operation, and affordable cost. So what does it take to make autonomous agriculture a reality?Researchers have been motivated by noble concepts supporting automation including a declining and aging work force and a need to achieve production goals with fewer workers. But most of us have avoided a truly close connection to the farmer and his needs. In reaction to the concept of automation, some agriculturists have argued that tractor driving is the most enjoyable task a farmer has to do in his job and that researchers are wasting time if they believe he will give it up. Industry is focused on many of the farmer’s near-term problems and will only offer automation technology if their customer demands it. These conditions make the implementation of navigation technologies very difficult.A natural progression is needed to advance agriculture into the automation and information age using navigation technologies to enhance productivity, the quality of life, or other factors of societal benefit. Researchers must work closely with the farmer and industry to provide significant examples of how this technology can be utilized today and, additionally, build a natural progression to an age of automation that is accepted by the producer.Drawing on examples from recent experiences in vehicle navigation, this lecture will review the status of automation technology and propose a course of action to implement navigation into production agriculture.