In Finland, especially farms with an above-average field area have different levels of automated driving systems on their tractors and combine harvesters. This allows more precise use of inputs such as fuel and fertilizer. This is good for the economy and the environment. It is also seen as having a positive impact on the quantity and quality of work.
What types of automated driving systems are used on farms?
Automated driving systems use GNSS satellite positioning. For example, a tractor can use satellite signals from GPS, Galileo, GLONASS or BeiDou to determine its position to within a few meters. Correction signals can be used to find the position and determine the driving lines with an accuracy of up to centimeters.
A field guidance system for agricultural vehicles can be seen as the first step towards automated driving. The device uses LED lights to show the driver which direction to steer in the field. In turn, the more advanced auto steer system keeps the vehicle on the line pre-programmed by the driver. This means that the vehicle needs to be steered only at the headlands, i.e. when turning at the end of the field.
It would only make sense to talk about automated driving if the system had an integrated headland automation as well, which takes care of turning and machine functions at the headlands. The use of such a “real” automated driving system is still quite rare on farms in Finland.
Benefits increase as acreage increases
With automated driving systems, the quality of work is even: nice straight rows, no overlaps and no gaps in the crop, which saves on inputs. This increases the chances of a fluent harvesting and, if the growing weather was also favorable, a good quality crop.
Automated driving systems are also perceived to reduce the physical and, to some extent, mental stress of the driver. Work safety is also improved as the driver can concentrate on observing the working environment and the flawless operation of the machine instead of driving.
Some of the challenges can be avoided
When automated driving systems are used to streamline field work, the farmer’s working day can become longer. This can lead to a loss of alertness and even falling asleep at the wheel, which has happened on farms. In addition, the automated driving system may be suddenly interrupted, or an obstacle may appear in the path of the vehicle. The driver must remain alert, so it is important to remember to take breaks.
Last spring, many Finnish farms experienced a situation where the automatic driving system did not work properly for a few days. This was reportedly due to a strong solar storm that disrupted satellite positioning, not the deliberate interference that has recently affected both sea and air traffic.
The writer works in TTS Work Efficiency Institute, where he is currently focused on modern agrotechnology from the farmers’ point of view.
Interested in using automated driving or other precision positioning solutions, but don’t know where to start? The Location Innovation Hub can help you apply new technologies to your business. Get in touch with us. Also check out our video on YouTube: Precise positioning – how can it benefit your business?
