Software-based technology by Trimble will allow producers the ability to increase efficiency by optimizing and automating the trajectory, speed, and overall path design of equipment.
Trimble’s easy-to-integrate, automated solutions work with Trimble systems and also with the equipment manufacturer’s existing system. The technology — which was on display at the 2023 National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville — will also be available within Trimble Connected Farm and Trimble Construction Cloud, offering a seamless, end-to-end experience to Trimble end users.
Traditional path planning options require manual set-up, which impacts productivity, consistency, and execution. By contrast, Trimble’s advanced path planning technology offers an automated, full path, complete project trajectory from entry to exit, including logistics points. The technology allows plans to be created in the office and adjustments made in the field or work site. In addition, it is optimized for complex fields, unique site shapes, obstacles, and avoidance zones.
“Our new path planning technology is the next step in Trimble’s vision of making fully autonomous solutions available across industries, regardless of brand, type of equipment or use case,” said Finlay Wood, general manager, Off-Road Autonomy, Trimble. “With this easy-to-integrate solution, we’ve taken another significant step towards full autonomy. It enables our customers to reduce waste and simplify complex tasks, whether they are in the cab or not –part of our vision to meet operators where they are on their path toward fully autonomous solutions.”
Trimble field tested the technology with HORSCH, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of modern agricultural technology, integrating path planning technology into HORSCH’s self-propelled PT and VL sprayer series to provide an autonomous, four-wheel-drive solution. Trimble is also currently field testing this technology with Dynapac, a leading supplier of high-tech soil and asphalt rollers, light equipment and pavers, as part of its autonomous compactor. This new technology was demonstrated at the Dimensions+ 2022 user conference in Las Vegas and BAUMA 2022 in Munich, Germany.
“Through our work with Trimble, we were able to test the latest path planning technologies in real-time on farms to understand how the technology performed in real-world environments,” said Theo Leeb, managing director, HORSCH. “We had the opportunity to experience fully automated spraying for the first time ever. This is yet another example of how HORSCH is at the forefront of thought leadership for ag working practices. We’re two high-tech companies changing the future.”
