CNH Industrial has marked a significant leap in sustainable farming technology with the New Holland T4 Electric Power tractor, which would revolutionize the farming practices with its state-of-the-art technology and eco-friendly design. As the industry’s first all-electric light utility tractor with autonomous features, it offers up to a full day of operation on a single charge and fast recharging capabilities. It has advanced features, like the remote activation via a smartphone app, Shadow Follow Me mode, and a 360-degree perception system for obstacle detection, are designed to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. The T4 Electric Power’s debut at the Farm Progress Show showcased its innovative capabilities and underscored CNH Industrial’s commitment to eco-friendly, precision agriculture.
What makes CNH Industrial’s Autonomous Tractor unique?
All-Electric Operation: Provides up to a full day of operation with a fast-charging 110-kWh battery system.
Autonomous Features: Includes remote activation, Shadow Follow Me mode, and 360-degree obstacle detection.
Lower Costs and Noise: Reduces operating costs by eliminating diesel fuel and maintenance fees; noise reduction up to 90%.
High Performance: Offers superior torque and responsiveness, compatible with traditional farm implements.
Exportable Power: Functions as a power source for electric tools with 110V and 220V outlets.
Enhanced Control: Smooth power delivery and precise control with a 12×12 electronic power shuttle transmission.
For detailed information on the specifications and capabilities of New Holland T4 Electric Power, click here to access their official brochure.
Key Patents behind CNH Industrial’s Autonomous Tractor
We’ve examined the cutting-edge patents behind the New Holland T4 Electric Power tractor. Check out the summary below to uncover the innovative features driving this groundbreaking agricultural technology!
The patent, US10212400B2, describes a system that captures video logs from an autonomous work vehicle’s cameras to analyze its performance. It links these videos to the vehicle’s location and actions (like starting, stopping, or encountering obstacles). These logs cover the time between such events, allowing for review of how the vehicle handled different situations during autonomous operation. The image below represents the autonomous vehicle.
The patent, US2023085713A1, discloses the planning system for autonomous farming vehicles for determining specific actions at precise locations. It creates a plan that includes actions, locations and necessary adjustments ensuring actions are performed accurately and on time. The schematic diagram below showcases the vehicle within the work area.
The patent, EP4056007A1, describes the Tractor Implement Management (TIM) technology which offers flexibility by allowing separate control of tractor steering and implement functions. It uses a dedicated switch to activate steering control from the implement rather than the tractor’s navigation system enabling independent steering of the implement when necessary. The schematic diagram below illustrates the operation of tractor.
The patent, US11169689B2, discloses the method for controlling an autonomous agricultural system remotely which includes a touchscreen display showing control functions and receives inputs like multi-touch gestures or pressure-based commands. These inputs are processed by a controller with a processor and memory which then sends signals to manage the system’s operations. The figure below illustrates the display of the control system.
The patent, US10188024B2, discloses a system which allows autonomous vehicles to perform agricultural tasks in a field, optimizing operations in real-time. It involves creating a mission plan for the vehicle, receiving updates on its progress and monitoring for events like obstacles or malfunctions. If an event occurs, the system adjusts the mission plan to address the issue while optimizing based on current field conditions. The flowchart below demonstrates the system for conducting an agricultural operation in a field using autonomous vehicle.
The CNH Industrial autonomous tractors, particularly the New Holland T4 Electric Power, mark a significant advancement in agricultural technology. Competing with similar innovations from John Deere, AGCO and Kubota, CNH Industrial distinguishes itself with its unique integration of electric power and advanced autonomous features. The T4 Electric Power offers eco-friendly operation, reduced noise and lower operating costs, setting a new standard in the industry. These tractors not only improve efficiency and productivity but also contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural future.
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