On several occasions, we have already seen how electric mobility and artificial intelligence technology are influencing so many different sectors, and agricultural machines are no exception. An American company wants to carve out an exceptional place in this sector. The company has introduced the world’s first fully electric, driver optional, smart tractor integrated on a single platform.
Farmers today face numerous challenges, including labor shortages, effects of climate change, safety concerns, increased customer scrutiny for sustainability demands, government regulations, and more. Known simply as “Monarch Tractor,” the vehicle addresses these issues by combining electrification, automation, machine learning, and data analysis to enhance farmers’ existing operations, increase labor productivity and safety, and maximize yields to cut overhead costs and emissions.
Monarch tractor has the typical shape and size of the traditional diesel tractors, albeit the details that make it more futuristic, like the blue LED light that goes around the front and the roof that includes a rich set of sensors.
The Monarch Tractor can operate with or without a driver. The company utilizes the latest autonomous hardware and software technology to provide driver-assist and driver-optional operations. The tractor can perform pre-programmed tasks without a driver, or an operator can use Monarch’s interactive automation features, including Gesture and Shadow modes, to have the tractor follow a worker on the job.
Besides, the tractor is packed with safety features, including roll and collision prevention, vision-based Power Take-Off (PTO) safety, and 360° cameras to keep operations running smoothly and employees safe, day or night. Using deep learning software, the tractor collects and analyzes over 240GB of crop data every day it operates in the field. The owner can also assist with things like crop yield estimates and long-term crop health analysis, becoming more accurate the longer it runs.
Through a smartphone, tractor owners can receive notifications from the tractor about the current micrometeorological conditions and reports on the work done.
Monarch Tractor’s electric drivetrain is capable of providing 40HP (30KW) of continuous power and short duration peak power up to 70HP (55KW) in a small footprint for multi-purpose usage. It offers over 10 hours of operation time and takes four to five hours to recharge via a 220-V outlet. It comes with a 3-point hitch and boasts a lifting capacity of 2,200 lb (998 kg).
This tractor can operate as an all-terrain vehicle and be an electrification tool. In the field, it can be used as a powerful electric generator.
Monarch Tractor can be reserved now with a fully refundable $500 deposit and shipping expected by the end of 2021. The global specifications and versions have yet to be revealed of all, apart from the 55 kW motor, the option for 4-wheel drive, the 10-year battery warranty, and a starting price of $50,000.
