In-Cab Systems: Living a Life of Luxury in the Field

There may come a time when drivers are no longer needed (and we’re getting closer to that reality every day). But until the singularity is reached (and for those operators who prefer the more hands-on approach), manufacturers are increasing both technology and comfort in the cab.

“Ag Leader continues to offer new products and features to customers that simplify the work being done in the field while improving their ability to operate equipment efficiently,” says Logan Handsaker, Product Sales Specialist.

End-users demand for comfort and the latest tech solutions pushes manufacturers to add to their offerings.

“The need for easier, more intuitive systems to improve confidence that the right things are being done in the field and the machine is operating the way it should continue to drive innovation,” Handsaker adds. “TurnPath is an example of a new feature for our guidance solutions that automates the turn in the headland, removing one of the tasks the operator manage multiple times a day while providing consistent, controlled results turn after turn.”

Technology certainly helps make operating big iron more efficient, but manufacturers know that operator comfort is key.

At Fendt, comfort begins with the back end (of the operator).

“For maximum comfort, Fendt units will be equipped with an optional Super Comfort Titanium seat by Isringhausen,” says Daniel Smith, Senior Marketing Manager for AGCO’s Fendt brand. “This seat boasts impressive options that take comfort in the tractor cab to a new level, including electronic and automatic seat adjustment, controls that store user preferences via the armrest terminal, automatic weight and height control with pneumatic assistance, and world-class upholstery. In addition, the Titanium Leather option also includes heating and cooling, massage functionality as well as automatic lumbar and side-wall support, all controlled from the terminal for ease of use.”

Tech Tools

It often seems by the time a technology is released to the public, it’s already been improved upon. On the software side of these offerings, updates can be uploaded remotely.

“Farm data remains critical, and the back office continues to evolve,” Ag Leader’s Handsaker says. “Twenty years ago, reviewing farm data had to be done in front of a computer. That process took just enough effort that many farmers would not do it, or they outsourced it to someone else.”

With data available in the cab and the ability to send it wirelessly to the back office, growers no longer need to wait for data.

“The software on the display is helping farmers gain more precision, automation and productivity to lower input costs while increasing efficiencies and productivity,” says Christopher Murray, John Deere Go-to-Market Manager for Embedded Technology. “We have configurable run screens so the customer can view their information the way they want to see it; and there are shortcuts that give the user the ability to quickly access information. With the optional Advanced License, customers get five of our most popular precision ag tools: AutoPath, AutoTrac Turn Automation, AutoTrac Implement Guidance, Machine Sync, and In-Field Data Sharing.”

In addition to software, manufacturers are adding hardware to the cabs.

“Perhaps the most exciting advancement to increase operators’ efficiency is the addition of another joystick,” says Fendt’s Smith. “Cabs already utilize joysticks for functionality such as hydraulics and speed, but this one is different. This left-hand armrest-mounted joystick is called ErgoSteer and it is used to steer the tractor, shuttle direction and engage various functions such as Fendt Guide steering.

“ErgoSteer is for in-field use and allows an operator to sit in a very comfortable and ergonomic position while using small motions of the wrist and hand to control the steering of the tractor,” Smith continues. “In addition to improving operator comfort, the ErgoSteer system also allows an operator to be more productive with quicker and more precise steering movements.”

As the technology around machines increases, operators have more to track.

“Ag Leader’s full-farm functionality can do everything on one display,” Handsaker says. “This allows us to provide customers with tremendous operational efficiency when they connect the InCommand display to the internet and leverage AgFiniti and DisplayCast. With AgFiniti and DisplayCast, customers do not have to think about transferring data or make the extra trip when they forget to move data from one vehicle to another. Ag Leader displays automatically send crucial information to AgFiniti Cloud, which other machines in the operation can access in real-time.”

The AI Revolution

The latest tech advancing the industry — Artificial Intelligence (AI) — is seeping its way into tools in a variety of ways. Perhaps the most prominent example is from John Deere.

“We are using AI with John Deere See & Spray technology, which is designed to see, target, and eliminate in-season weeds using advanced cameras and machine learning. Three configurations are available — Select, Premium, and Ultimate,” says Deere’s Murray. “AI will help us reach our goal of creating a fully autonomous corn/soy production system by 2030.”

Deere is not the only company exploring ways to use AI.

“With the advancements of computing, manufacturing, and sensing capabilities, there are new opportunities to utilize visual perception to improve machine function and simplify operation,” Ag Leader’s Handsaker says. “(We) focus on solving problems for farmers by providing intuitive and reliable solutions that enable their current equipment to perform better and more efficiently. AI with visual and non-visual perception provides opportunities for Ag Leader to re-evaluate problems that were impossible or too expensive to solve five or 10 years ago and allows us to stretch our minds and look at solving even bigger problems.”

Solving problems is what technology is all about.

“AI is currently being used on machine optimization to ensure uptime, as the ability to predict and prevent machine downtime is a crucial focus for AGCO’s teams,” says Fendt’s Smith. “However, AI being leveraged in the cab itself is certainly not far off, with complete machine autonomy being a very realistic goal in the near future.”

Up Next

Comfort and technology are key, and that’s why manufacturers continue to enhance their offerings.

“A goal is to relieve farms of the need to put operators in the cab in cases where instantaneous and critical decision making is not needed,” Fendt’s Smith says. “Tasks such as autonomous tillage or grain cart operations are certainly not far off and are even being marketed now. The challenge will be making a cost-effective tractor that can autonomously perform those simple tasks, but also provide a comfortable and easy-to-operate cab experience for more complex functions (like planting) that farmers are not yet ready to fully automate.”