Check out the latest news about automatic pilot!

Technology in agriculture keeps evolving and coming up with solutions for the rural producer to advance in productivity and reduce production costs. In this context, the automatic pilot — or autopilot — for agricultural machinery is an essential technology that is already available and offers many benefits.

This is a way to automate field operations in order to improve crop performance. In fact, it is a crucial constituent of precision agriculture, and it is here to stay.

Keep reading and check out the most important news regarding the automatic pilot!

What is an automatic pilot? 

An automatic pilot is, above all, the result of the technological evolution applied to agribusiness machines through precision agriculture. It is an automation system for operating mainly tractors and other agricultural machines with minimal operator intervention.

The automatic pilot practically allows the tractor to work alone, always following the schedule that has been traced, correcting directions and bringing maximum precision to field operations. Its use is particularly beneficial when used in large cultivated areas.

Basically, it has software that defines the routes and an antenna to receive GPS signals that guide its route. This system is connected to the machine’s navigation, automating the manoeuvres necessary to carry out the work.

With it, the operator’s role is to follow and monitor the operation and intervene when necessary. The automation process provided by the automatic pilot brings numerous advantages to production.

Why is the automatic pilot so important? 

The introduction of the automated pilot technology combines with the permanent improvements introduced in agribusiness to promote productivity increases. In this case, it is a question of adding more efficiency to mechanized work with time optimization and precision in operations.

The main advantages of introducing automated operations in the field are listed below. Check them out!

Precision in machine movements

The machine’s paths and routes are programmed and guided by GPS, making the most of the distances between the worked areas. In addition to efficiency, it improves the quality of the plant stand.

Operation time optimization

Uptime affects efficiency and operating costs. Time optimization with more precise and defined manoeuvres allows you to accomplish more within the same working period.

Reduction in operator fatigue

By automating the operations, the automatic pilot allows for less wear on the operator. This reduces the fatigue that usually tends to cause a decrease in performance throughout the day.

Decrease in machine-idle time

For example, using the GPS-guided automatic pilot makes it possible to carry out night activities. This way, there is no need for continuous observation and close care by the operator, as would be essential if the manoeuvres were manual.

Reduction of operating costs

Operation precision reduces the overlap rate, which represents direct savings. At the same time, it allows for better use of time, increasing performance and reducing relative costs.

Improvement in productivity

Optimizing operation time and manoeuvre precision lead, in the end, to greater crop productivity. In fact, this is one of the main motivations for adopting automatic pilots, as it translates into a significant competitive advantage.

How has this technology evolved? 

Agribusiness constantly receives demands that require continuous production advancement, especially with the development of technologies that improve productivity. In this sense, automatic pilots represent one of the high points of improvement known as precision agriculture.

Therefore, it is a natural process where solutions are developed from the knowledge available at each time. The first initiatives that evolved into the automatic pilot consisted of light markers that defined a visual path that guided the operator.

Cultivation in large areas, GPS availability, and the evolution of software have allowed us to reach the automatic pilot and the countless features it provides to the rural producer. In fact, the production of embedded technology has been incredibly dynamic in recent times, and agribusiness has been a pioneer in its application in many cases.

What’s new regarding automatic pilots? 

A large part of the technology used in the automatic pilot of agricultural machinery originates from the development of road vehicle automation. The use of GPS and numerous sensors distributed throughout the machine, associated with the equipment’s artificial intelligence, allow increasingly accurate decision-making.

Each year — that is to say, with each harvest — new technologies are incorporated, improving, even more, the existing equipment. Currently available technology still relies on operator monitoring but will likely evolve into fully autonomous machines within a few years.

There are two types of automatic pilots available: hydraulic and electric. The first is more expensive and complex to assemble, acting directly on the equipment’s wheels without moving the steering wheel. This type of pilot is recommended for operations with higher speed demands, such as self-propelled sprayers that can reach over 35Km/h.

In turn, the electric automatic pilot, in addition to being more accessible, is simpler in how it adapts to the machine. It consists of electric motors that act on the machine’s flywheel, allowing for automatic directions. In this case, the maximum recommended speed is up to 18Km/h.

How can Jacto help you with this? 

Jacto machines have traditionally placed state-of-the-art technology on the Brazilian agribusiness market to improve production. With the automatic pilot, it was no different.

The Omni 700 Electric Pilot enables easy and quick installation of agricultural machine automation. For this purpose, it can be used in different models of machines, presenting compatibility with most of them; that is, it is a piece of multi-brand equipment.

The Electric Pilot Omni 700, by Jacto, offers the following advantages for the rural producer:

• easy installation;
• automatic steering with extreme precision;
• reduction of up to 25% of kneading;
• increment of up to 11% in the sown area;
• increase of up to 12% in crop productivity.

As you can see, adopting an automatic pilot generates competitive advantages for production with better results for the farmer. The technology is constantly evolving, and the equipment is improved with each harvest.

Contact us and learn all about what Jacto can offer in technology to boost the success of your production!