The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) showed the first tractor connected to a car at an exhibition in France last week. This tractor sends a warning to road vehicles using a communication protocol standardised by ETSI. Motorists are warned at a distance of 1km in order to avoid collisions between tractors and cars.
Research has shown that there are almost 400 fatal accidents each year in Europe caused by farm vehicles that are not clearly visible on the road, especially in rural areas. Drivers are surprised by tractors travelling at much lower speeds than their car, and occupying the entire width of the road. These drivers cannot take evasive action or brake in time. Farm machinery companies are aiming to lower the risks and halving the number of fatal accidents by 2035.
The exhibition at ETSI was of a John Deere tractor and the communications platform from Sensinov and Agricultural industry Electronics Foundation (AEF). The exhibit showed how the two vehicles communicate using visual and sound signals to give warning of their presence, thanks to the standard developed by ETSI’s oneM2M partnership project.
Yanmar launches autonomous tractors
Japanese tractor maker Yanmar has launched two tractors with autonomous features in Japan and aims to sell 100 units per year from next year on. The Auto Tractor models and the Robot Tractor differ in that the former offers some minimal operator input.
Yanmar now offers two autonomous tractor options in its range.
Both tractors use Yanmar’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT), which claims to combine advances in industrial robotics with precise positioning data. Yanmar claims that existing Yanmar tractor owners will be able to upgrade their equipment with the auto robot functions as a factory option.
The new Yanmar tractors are controlled by means a waterproof, 10in tablet that allows one person to operate two tractors side by side. The display uses icons and illustrations to navigate around the system, designing the work routes, estimating the work area and using the tracking function.
The Auto mode offered for both ranges of tractors provides remote control in the functions of forward, reverse, turn and stop. With Linear mode, the tractor can travel back and forth on its own, and there is the option of turning to be performed by hand. Yanmar claims that this feature has been designed to offer more flexibility, with some level of customisation.
Obituary: John Geary, Geary’s Garage Kilmeedy, Limerick
Well-known John Deere dealer John Geary of Kilmeedy, Co Limerick, who died this week following a period of illness which he bore with his characteristic dignity, will be sadly missed by his family, staff, many friends and customers.
John gave a lifetime to the farm machinery industry in Ireland. He was well-known and hugely respected as one of the longest-serving Irish John Deere dealers. 
John Geary, RIP
His vast knowledge and wisdom was always imparted with a genuine passion to inform and enhance the abilities of others. John had a great mechanical mind; his appetite for problem-solving mechanical challenges was without boundaries as we wondered at how one small head could carry all he knew. John was at his happiest in the workshop at Geary’s Garage. There his early technical training in engines and transmissions gave him a depth of knowledge that he constantly nourished, nurtured and shared throughout his remarkable career. He also had a great customer focus, always working hard to ensure that machines were performing to their best, as confirmed by so many of his customers who attended his large funeral mass.
To his wife Tess, son John who carries on the family business, and daughters Elaine, Niamh, Grainne and Marie, we extend our deepest sympathy.
– MM
The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) showed the first tractor connected to a car at an exhibition in France last week. This tractor sends a warning to road vehicles using a communication protocol standardised by ETSI. Motorists are warned at a distance of 1km in order to avoid collisions between tractors and cars.
Research has shown that there are almost 400 fatal accidents each year in Europe caused by farm vehicles that are not clearly visible on the road, especially in rural areas. Drivers are surprised by tractors travelling at much lower speeds than their car, and occupying the entire width of the road. These drivers cannot take evasive action or brake in time. Farm machinery companies are aiming to lower the risks and halving the number of fatal accidents by 2035.
The exhibition at ETSI was of a John Deere tractor and the communications platform from Sensinov and Agricultural industry Electronics Foundation (AEF). The exhibit showed how the two vehicles communicate using visual and sound signals to give warning of their presence, thanks to the standard developed by ETSI’s oneM2M partnership project.
Yanmar launches autonomous tractors
Japanese tractor maker Yanmar has launched two tractors with autonomous features in Japan and aims to sell 100 units per year from next year on. The Auto Tractor models and the Robot Tractor differ in that the former offers some minimal operator input.
Yanmar now offers two autonomous tractor options in its range.
Both tractors use Yanmar’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT), which claims to combine advances in industrial robotics with precise positioning data. Yanmar claims that existing Yanmar tractor owners will be able to upgrade their equipment with the auto robot functions as a factory option.
The new Yanmar tractors are controlled by means a waterproof, 10in tablet that allows one person to operate two tractors side by side. The display uses icons and illustrations to navigate around the system, designing the work routes, estimating the work area and using the tracking function.
The Auto mode offered for both ranges of tractors provides remote control in the functions of forward, reverse, turn and stop. With Linear mode, the tractor can travel back and forth on its own, and there is the option of turning to be performed by hand. Yanmar claims that this feature has been designed to offer more flexibility, with some level of customisation.
Obituary: John Geary, Geary’s Garage Kilmeedy, Limerick
Well-known John Deere dealer John Geary of Kilmeedy, Co Limerick, who died this week following a period of illness which he bore with his characteristic dignity, will be sadly missed by his family, staff, many friends and customers.
John gave a lifetime to the farm machinery industry in Ireland. He was well-known and hugely respected as one of the longest-serving Irish John Deere dealers.
John Geary, RIP
His vast knowledge and wisdom was always imparted with a genuine passion to inform and enhance the abilities of others. John had a great mechanical mind; his appetite for problem-solving mechanical challenges was without boundaries as we wondered at how one small head could carry all he knew. John was at his happiest in the workshop at Geary’s Garage. There his early technical training in engines and transmissions gave him a depth of knowledge that he constantly nourished, nurtured and shared throughout his remarkable career. He also had a great customer focus, always working hard to ensure that machines were performing to their best, as confirmed by so many of his customers who attended his large funeral mass.
To his wife Tess, son John who carries on the family business, and daughters Elaine, Niamh, Grainne and Marie, we extend our deepest sympathy.
– MM
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