MUMBAI, 11 October 2018 : One of the largest tractor manufacturer based in India, Escorts Limited has taken another leaf in providing autonomous solutions in farming sector by launching India's first autonomous concept tractor in New Delhi recently.
The company said it has collaborated with seven technology giants namely- Microsoft, Reliance Jio, Trimble, Samvardhana Motherson Group, WABCO, Bosch and AVL.
According to the company, the partnership between the technology giants will help the company to develop a range of farm machines with electric transmission, autonomous applications, remote vehicle management, data-based soil and crop management, and sensor-based guided farm applications.
However, the company did not revealed the details of the concept and said that it would be made public at a later stage.
It is important, as Mahindra & Mahindra, world's largest tractor manufacturer too is working on autonomous tractors, along with may global other manufacturer.
Speaking on this, Nikhil Nanda, Chairman and MD, Escorts Ltd, said, "W e have pioneered autonomous farming solutions platform in association with seven strategic technology tie-ups which will transform agricultural practices for better returns to farmers. Escort is proud to have collaborated with the tech giants to co-create technologies for autonomous agriculture and smart infrastructure."
Last year, Escorts has launched world's first electric compact tractor concept.
According to the company, the Indian agriculture and farming practices require extensive mechanization and precision based agro solutions for maximum output.
For this reason, Escorts has collaborated with AVL for electric transmission technology, with Trimble for sensors, control, water level management system and autonomous e-steering.
With Samwardhana Matherson Group for smart interface Cabins & Care Plus, with WABCO for vehicle controls and automation technology, with Microsoft for its cloud and AI technology enabling precision agriculture capabilities. Reliance Jio will help to enhance farm machinery life cycle with a network platform by providing service and spare parts across the country.
Along with the autonomous tractor concept, the company has also announced agriculture shared services and solutions platform with 'Escorts Crop Solution', that will offer end-to-end, state-of-the-art equipment for paddy farming under the pay-per-use rental model.
The TRAXI service will aggregate farm equipment owners to rent out their equipment to small and marginal farmers.
The other solution is Smart Parts, which will offer genuine parts and customized agro information and Farm Power, that will provide advanced implements and equipment for efficient and productive farming.