The Mechatronics, Biostatistics and Sensors division (MeBioS) of the K.U.Leuven Biosystems department and the Flanders’ Mechatronics Technology Centre have jointly developed a fully automated robotic tractor, which has self steering capability.
The research team will present the first prototype of this tractor at the 30th Annual International Agriculture and Horticulture Days of Mechanisation to be held in Oudenaarde on September 24 and 25, 2011.
The tractor can not only control its speed and turning radius, it can also take a pre-programmed path accurately by effectively adapting to all kinds of terrains without requiring control by a driver. The developers of this tractor have employed a linear propulsion system which helps in pressing the gas pedal down and in steering. Various positional sensors as well as a GPS system have been installed in the tractor to locate its position. The smart steering function in the tractor calculates the ideal speed and turning radius according to the model of the tractor and the terrain. It also calculates the tyre slippage of the tractor.
Such an accurate steering system enables low operating costs as the tractor can effectively navigate through the field by using the advanced steering system. The increase of organic farming, has led to the need for automatic steering in agricultural machines.
Source: https://www.kuleuven.be/english/