COLUMBIA — As AI becomes more prevalent in various industries, market data specialists with GitNux predict that the autonomous agricultural technology market will reach $ 4.7 billion by 2028.
The University of Missouri is analyzing the impacts through research conducted with the Monarch MKV electric tractor.
Perimeter cameras utilize artificial intelligence and navigation technology to create a memorized path for the vehicle to follow.
The Monarch MK-V tractor was initially announced in 2022.
While these concepts are relatively new, with several elements to modify in the future before becoming fully self-driving, Mizzou’s Agricultural Systems Technology Department made notable discoveries when comparing its use to traditional methods.
Assistant Teaching Professor Kent Shannon shared that there are limits to how AI can alter the industry.
“The growing of a product, a crop, is going to remain somewhat the same agronomically. We’re just going to use technology again to help us be more efficient, more environmentally sound,” said Shannon.
The Monarch calls itself the world’s first autonomous tractor, and while its operation still requires a seated driver, it was initially built to meet those needs.
Senior Jayden Kultgen dedicated his final capstone project to comparing the Monarch’s capabilities to a traditional John Deere diesel fueled tractor.
“The Monarch is meant more for the vineyard kind of applications, but in the tillage, we found that the diesel still performs a little bit better,” said Kultgen.
With both vehicles yielding comparable outcomes in the realm of horsepower, economical and sustainable advantages make the Monarch a worthwhile presence in the industry.
“The Monarch actually costs less per hour, so the Monarch uses about 37 kilowatt hours per hour, and then the John Deere is about 3.2 gallons of diesel an hour,” added Kultgen.
Associate Professor Kent Shannon believes AI Ag Tech can expand on tractors like the Monarch in several different ways in the future to address other unsolved farming roadblocks.
“The other idea would be sensors that we can use to help diagnose problems in the field, such as disease, nutrient deficiencies,” said Shannon.
Both Shannon and Colchin believe the new tech will create new roles in the industry rather than decreasing opportunities for labor.
Kultgen plans to step into that sector of agriculture upon graduation next year.
link