It’s not just passenger cars embracing autonomy and electrification. At CES 2025, American industrial powerhouse John Deere showcases its autonomous and electric tractors, mowers, and mining trucks, poised to reshape agriculture and infrastructure.
Meeting the Challenges of a Growing World
In the next 25 years, the global population is projected to grow from 8 billion to 10 billion. Feeding and supporting this burgeoning population will place enormous demands on agriculture and infrastructure. Enter autonomous vehicles. Already in use on farms, John Deere’s self-driving tractors are now evolving with electrification.
“Today, we take a giant leap forward”
Jahmy J. Hindman, CEO of John Deere at CES 2025.
Autonomous machines offer distinct advantages. They never tire, don’t need breaks, and can operate around the clock – key to meeting the challenges of food production and infrastructure development. These innovations also address significant labor shortages in agriculture, construction, and mining.
Fully Autonomous, Fully Electric
John Deere’s goal is clear: develop machines that perform complex tasks independently, whether in mining or high-value agriculture. “When we say autonomous, we mean truly autonomous – no one is in the driver’s seat,” Hindman emphasized. The machines are monitored via a simple smartphone app, bringing a new level of convenience and efficiency to operators.
John Deere first showcased its autonomous capabilities three years ago with a self-driving tractor pulling a plow. “That was just the beginning; now we’re taking it further,” said Blue River Technology Chief Willy Pall.
The underlying technology is similar to autonomous cars. Multiple stereoscopic cameras calculate object distances using triangulation. Upgrades are available for older models, equipping them with cutting-edge autonomy features. The latest 9RX tractor, for instance, uses 16 cameras for a 360-degree view. Ruggedized and passively cooled, these cameras ensure reliability under harsh conditions. Nvidia processors power the tractors, while improved software has overcome early challenges like sensor disruptions caused by bugs attracted to headlights.
Diverse Applications: CES 2025 shows it all
John Deere’s autonomous tractors are capable of plowing, planting, and even harvesting. They excel in high-value crops like vineyards and nut orchards, where terrain is more complex than on traditional farms. “We’re bringing autonomy to premium crops,” said Igino Cafiero, a John Deere executive.
The 5ML robo-orchard tractor, equipped with LiDAR sensors and a new autonomy package, is designed for precision tasks like spraying crops. Its 96 kW (130 PS) electric drivetrain, paired with up to five battery packs, operates emissions-free, making it ideal for dairy farms and specialized agriculture. The ability to work silently and at night in the heat of summer adds another layer of efficiency.
Electric Efficiency for Lawns and Mines
John Deere’s electric autonomous lawnmower uses the same core technology as its tractors but requires just four stereo camera pairs, strategically mounted at the highest possible points. Quieter than traditional models, the electric mower offers significant noise reduction alongside its autonomous capabilities.
In mining, the stakes are higher – and the vehicles, bigger. John Deere’s autonomous articulated dump truck, the 460 P-Tier, exemplifies heavy-duty automation, moving 350 tons of material per hour at a quarry near Las Vegas. Two decades ago, that figure was just 120 tons per hour.
Caterpillar, another industrial heavyweight, is also pushing boundaries with its autonomous electric mining trucks. Models like the 794 AC and 793 AC are monstrous machines that autonomously haul massive loads, representing the next phase of productivity in heavy industry.
A Smarter, Cleaner Future
With electrification and autonomy now reaching agriculture and heavy industry, CES 2025 underscores the transformative potential of robo-vehicles. These innovations promise not just improved efficiency and sustainability, but also the ability to meet the needs of a rapidly growing global population.
