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Designers: David Melvin Wilkie, CNH Industrial Design Center, CNH Industrial Italia SpA, Turin (TO), Italy
Manufacturer: CNH Industrial N.V., London, United Kingdon

A world first: a cabless, high horsepower, autonomous concept tractor

Case IH, a global agricultural brand of CNH Industrial, unveiled the world’s first high horsepower, cabless autonomous concept tractor at the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, USA in August 2016.

This cabless, autonomous concept tractor, is an example of how CNH Industrial’s Innovation Group, working in close collaboration with CNH Industrial’s Industrial Design Department, is proactively developing concept autonomous technology to meet the challenge of more efficient, economic and sustainable agriculture and to help farmers and agribusinesses sustainably boost production and productivity, through the ability to make the most of ideal soil and weather conditions, as well as available labor.

In field efficiency, productivity and safety

The concept’s design was focused on both form and function. As this machine operates autonomously, that is to say without a driver sitting behind the wheel, the cab was removed, marking a revolutionary step forward in tractor design. Styling was also used to both enhance functionality and house the required technology, whilst following a coherent design language.

The autonomous concept tractor can work fully independently, once the areas to which it is destined, have been fully mapped. Using these field maps, advanced precision farming technology is employed to plot the most efficient in field route, in relation to the required task and the implement. Once completed, and in a matter of seconds the machine, field and task can be selected and the autonomous concept will get underway. If the path to the field is on private, pre-mapped tracks, the autonomous concept can make its own way to the field and start working.

During operation, an advanced monitoring and control package is active, and which can be managed either through a desktop computer or portable tablet interface. This enables the user to supervise the machine from wherever they are – either in the office, out on the farm, from the cab of another machine or even at home. They can monitor the machine’s progress on a mapping screen, view a live camera feed and monitor and modify key operating parameters to ensure optimal operation at all times.

Advanced sensing and perception technology is used to keep both the machine and any individuals who are in proximity to the machine safe. Upon encountering an obstacle the supervisor will be alerted through the interactive interface. Depending on the obstacle the tractor can be instructed to carry straight on (in the case of a small branch), plot an alternative route (in the case of an irrigation pipe), follow a manually plotted alternative (if refueling is required), or stop and wait following external intervention (if a gate is open and is obstructing the path). If an obstacle merely crosses its path – such as a deer or another tractor, the autonomous concept will stop, and then continue once the way is clear.

Functional design, advanced styling

CNH Industrial’s in-house Industrial Design Center used the current Case IH Magnum CVX row crop tractor as the starting point for the brand’s autonomous concept. The international Industrial Design Team then reimagined the tractor for a future autonomous era, eliminating the traditional operator station and crafting the concept Magnum’s sleek and dynamic lines. The aggressive headlights, sculpted bonnet and distinctive silhouette are complemented by carbon fiber front fenders, two-tone black and red wheel rims and signature LED status running lights.

The sensing and perception equipment, which comprises four viewing cameras, two front and two rear, were seamlessly integrated into the front hood and rear fenders. The range of receiving antennas was integrated under the rear fenders and the antennas were sleekly positioned into the hood’s crown. The LiDAR and radar obstacle detection technology is housed in a front mounted capsule, which elegantly sits on the chin of the front chassis, and is integrated into the machines sinuous lines.

The paint finish and careful application of decals was used to enhance overall functionality. In keeping with the machine’s prestigious concept status, a specific metallic paint was developed, however, in areas where signal receivers were positioned, specific graphics were designed to maintain functionality – enabling signal reception - whilst enhancing the tractors ‘aggressive’ infield stance.

An international design team

The Case IH autonomous concept tractor was produced by a truly international design team – with both the Style Centers in Turin, Italy and Burr Ridge, Illinois, USA working in close collaboration. Using advanced design software, ‘virtual’ style reviews took place, and the two design cultures were effortlessly integrated, to develop a machine which was perfectly at home in the vast open expanses of the Mid-West, but one that would equally integrate into European farms.