US machinery firm Monarch has introduced its first all-electric autonomous tractor for sustainable farming.
The robotic tractor is integrated on a single platform and has been developed to help farmers overcome challenges including labour shortages, safety concerns and the effects of climate change.
According to Monarch, the vehicle serves as a 3-in-1 electrification tool, operating not only as a tractor but also as an ATV and a powerful generator in the field.
The tractor’s electric drivetrain is capable of providing 30KW of continuous power and short duration peak power up to 55KW in a small footprint for multi-purpose usage.
Carlo Mondavi, chief farming officer, Monarch Tractor, said: “As a fourth-generation farmer, I’ve seen first-hand the hazards that farming presents, not just to workers but to the environment as well.
“Monarch Tractor is moving farming toward a safer and sustainable future by eliminating harmful emissions, reducing the need for herbicides and keeping workers out of harm’s way with its driver-optional capabilities.”
According to Monarch, the driver-optional tractor combines machine learning and data analysis to enhance existing operations and can analyse over 240GB of crop data every day.
Furthermore, sensors and imaging are processed to provide critical data points that can be used for real-time implement adjustments as well as long-term yield estimates, current growth stages and other crop health metrics.
The company said it has secured working farms as preliminary customers, with shipping expected to commence in autumn 2021.
