This is the type of article that is just bad. A lot of the tech-related articles about robotics and automation have no understanding of the actual green industry. From the outside looking in, a robot seems like it will take people’s jobs, but semi-autonomous technology is different. From an economic perspective, at most, a semi-autonomous mower being developed by John Deere or Greenzie will replace about 30-40% of an employee. That is because these mowers still require an operator to watch the equipment.
TLDR
John Deere introduced its latest autonomous machines at CES 2025, addressing labor shortages in agriculture, construction, and commercial landscaping. These innovations utilize the second-generation autonomy kit, which combines AI, computer vision, and cameras to navigate complex environments safely.
Key machines include:
- Autonomous 9RX Tractor for large-scale farming, featuring 360-degree cameras and enhanced efficiency for tillage operations.
- Autonomous 5ML Orchard Tractor with Lidar sensors, ideal for air-blast spraying in dense canopies, with a battery-electric version in development.
- 460 P-Tier Dump Truck for quarry operations, streamlining material transport and repetitive tasks.
- Battery-Electric Mower for commercial landscaping, leveraging 360-degree camera technology to automate precise mowing tasks.
These machines can be autonomy-ready from the factory or retrofitted with advanced kits, offering flexibility for businesses at different stages of technology adoption. Managed through the John Deere Operations Center Mobile app, users can remotely monitor live video, adjust settings, and receive alerts about job quality or machine health. By focusing on efficiency and automation, John Deere aims to support industries struggling with workforce challenges while improving productivity and competitiveness.