Jan 1, 2008

Helping Farmers Reap More Efficiency

Soon farmers will have tractors to drive themselves. Gone will be those long days in the fields piloting the tractor and making sure the rows are straight. The Timken Company has developed a sensor that, combined with other steering system components, enables hands-free operation of tractors designed for planting and spraying row crops.
 
Intelligent Motion Systems, Inc. (IMS) uses the sensor in its design of a motor used in the new tractor's steering mechanism. The Timken-developed feedback sensor is embedded into an integrated circuit board. The sensors provide feedback on the motor shaft position, and, when integrated with other steering system components, allow the tractor to operate hands-free.

This tractor-guidance system is expected to improve productivity and lower operating costs by reducing operator fatigue, fuel consumption and row overlap while planting or spraying. The intelligent sensor could have implications for other agricultural equipment, boats and of course trucks and automobiles. Sensor technology could also help prevent automobile accidents by enabling individual vehicles to sense the position of other vehicles.