Yanmar launches new autonomous driving "Robot Tractors”

OSAKA, Japan - Autonomous farm machines were once the subject of science fiction, but Yanmar has made them a reality with the introduction of its new 2-Series tractors scheduled to go on sale on October 1, 2018. Equipped with Yanmar’s innovative Information and Communications Technology (ICT) – which utilizes precision positioning data and robot technology – the new autonomous driving “Robot Tractors” are designed to greatly enhance farm management efficiency, while realizing significant labor-savings. Agricultural machinery equipped with the “SMARTPILOT” autonomous operating system will fortify Yanmar’s already impressive lineup of industrial farm machinery.

In addition to the unmanned Robot Tractors that will help reduce the number of manual laborers required in the field, Yanmar has introduced a lineup of Auto Tractors that deliver high-precision work with minimal human operation, all based on the company’s vast experience and deep knowledge in the farming field. Also, those who already own a YT tractor can upgrade their equipment with the auto robot functions.

At the technological center of the new Robot and Auto Tractors is Yanmar’s ICT, which was developed to address the various challenges that have faced the farming industry in recent years. This includes challenges such as the necessity of large-scale management of aggregated farm land (bigger farms need more management), as well as the twin challenges of an aging labor force and fewer young workers joining the work force. By supporting farm management with integrated control (automated recording) based on information from the sensor network, ICT promotes greater production and management efficiency. This in turn results in added value for agriculture and crops, in areas such as larger scale farming, increased crop quality, and augmented branding functions. By providing various services with ICT, Yanmar will continue to strive to improve efficiency and reduce the need for manual labor for its customers, as it continues to lead the way in advancing sustainable farming.

Product Summary
Auto Tractor (YT488A/498A/4104A/5113A)
On sale: October 1st, 2018
Price: 10,725,000 yen to 14,075,000 yen
(excluding tax, MSRP, rotary tiller sold separately)

Robot Tractor (YT488A/498A/4104A/5113A)
On sale: October 1st, 2018
Price: 12,145,000 yen to 15,495,000 yen　
(excluding tax, MSRP, rotary tiller sold separately)

Yanmar plans to sell more than 100 units annually for autonomous tractors.

Main Features:
- Two modes of autonomous operation
- Improved workability through intuitive operation and highly-accurate positioning
- Extensive safety equipment for peace of mind (Robot Tractor Only)
- Upgradeable to automatic operation from existing YT tractors

Source: https://www.yanmar.com