At the CES 2025 technology event in Las Vegas, John Deere, the renowned American manufacturer of agricultural machinery and heavy equipment, revealed several groundbreaking autonomous vehicles designed to support industries ranging from agriculture to construction and commercial landscaping. Among the innovations showcased were the company’s first autonomous articulated dump truck (ADT), a battery-powered autonomous mower for landscaping, and next-generation tractors tailored for both large-scale farming and specialized orchard work.
John Deere’s expanded portfolio of autonomous machines aims to address the growing challenge of labor shortages, particularly in industries that require timely and skilled labor. “Our agriculture, construction, and landscaping customers all have critical tasks that must be completed at specific times of the day and year, yet skilled labor is increasingly scarce,” said Jahmy Hindman, Chief Technology Officer at John Deere. “Autonomy can help solve this problem by enabling machines to work safely and efficiently in complex environments, benefiting not only our customers but society at large.”
One of the standout innovations is the 460 P-Tier Autonomous Articulated Dump Truck (ADT), which promises to revolutionize material transport in quarry and construction operations. Designed to streamline repetitive tasks in mining and processing workflows, the autonomous ADT will improve efficiency in transporting materials crucial for building infrastructure. By handling monotonous tasks, the ADT allows human operators to focus on higher-value activities, enhancing overall productivity in construction projects.
John Deere is also targeting the commercial landscaping industry with its autonomous battery-powered mower, designed to compete in a fast-paced and crowded market. Equipped with advanced camera systems similar to those used in larger John Deere autonomous vehicles, this mower offers 360-degree coverage with cameras positioned on all sides, ensuring precise operation and safety. This innovation frees up landscaping crews to focus on other critical tasks while the mower handles routine grass cutting autonomously.
In a move to ensure a smooth transition to autonomous operations, John Deere will offer certain machines pre-equipped with autonomous technology directly from the factory. For those with existing models, retrofit kits will be available, allowing customers to adopt the technology at their own pace and integrate it into their current operations.
All of John Deere’s autonomous machines are managed through the Operations Center mobile app, a cloud-based platform that provides users with complete control over their equipment. With a simple swipe, operators can start and monitor machines once they are positioned in the field. The app offers real-time access to video feeds, data metrics, and customizable settings, along with alerts for any issues related to job quality or machine health. This ensures that users can make adjustments promptly, improving overall efficiency and performance.
John Deere’s commitment to advancing autonomous technology in agriculture is highlighted by the introduction of the second-generation autonomy kit for its 9RX Tractor, designed for large-scale farming operations. Equipped with 16 cameras that provide a complete 360-degree view of the field, this tractor allows farmers to step back from the controls during busy tillage seasons and focus on other critical tasks. The improved autonomy kit also enhances depth detection over greater distances, allowing the tractor to pull more equipment at higher speeds—further optimizing farm productivity.
In addition to the 9RX, John Deere is unveiling its autonomous 5ML orchard tractor, specifically designed for the labor-intensive task of air blast spraying in orchards. This model is equipped with advanced Lidar sensors that enable the tractor to navigate through dense crop canopies with ease, significantly reducing the need for manual labor. While the initial rollout will feature a diesel-powered version, a battery-electric alternative is also in development, offering a greener, more sustainable option for orchard management.
With these pioneering innovations, John Deere is setting the stage for a more efficient, productive, and sustainable future in agriculture and industrial operations. As the company continues to refine its autonomous machines, it is clear that the future of farming, construction, and landscaping is poised to become more automated, smarter, and more efficient than ever before. Through these new technologies, John Deere is not only improving operational efficiency but also helping to address some of the most pressing labor challenges in industries that shape our daily lives.
By Impact Lab