New Holland has announced it is working on developing an autonomous tractor. The company is currently involved in a pilot project in partnership with E & J Gallo Winery to test its NH Drive autonomous technology in a T4. 110F vineyard tractor.
The collaborative pilot with the largest family-owned winery in the world is focused on gathering agronomic and operator feedback on the use of the developing technology in typical everyday vineyard activities.
It is the latest step in the company’s autonomous research and development program, having unveiled its NH Drive autonomous solution two years ago at the Farm Progress Show. The technology has since been previewed on the T7 Heavy Duty and T8 tractor series illustrating possible row crop applications.
Carlo Lambro, New Holland Agriculture brand president, explained, “Sustainability and innovation are in New Holland’s DNA; that’s how we help our customers to farm efficiently and profitably today – and anticipate the way their needs will change.
“We believe that specialty operations, and in particular those in the vineyard environment, could significantly benefit from the introduction of autonomous technology, in terms of productivity and sustainability.
“Our partner in the pilot program, E & J Gallo Winery, shares our commitment to innovation and sustainability in viticulture, as well as our objective of providing an autonomous solution that will benefit winegrowers around the world.”
March 2, 2018
