Development of Tractor-Implement Automation Systems

摘要

John Deere recently introduced solutions to the market which demonstrate the capabilities and the potential of Tractor-Implement Automation system solutions. The tractor functionality has been extended by the implementation of an interface which allows certified implements to request tractor functions during operation via the implement-bus using an extended CAN-bus protocol based on the IS011783 standard. The bi-directional communication allows the development of automated processes which include both, tractor and implement. Instead of improving the productivity of tractor and implement independently, Tractor-Implement Automation allows to focus on both at the same time as one system. This paper will give an overview over the technical concept of the automation system and will discuss the challenges as well as the potential of this next level of system development.