CurveControl for AMAZONE centrifugal broadcasters

Precise fertiliser application even around curves

The CurveControl software option adjusts the lateral distribution to the various cornering speeds and corrects the movement of the spread pattern in centrifugal fertiliser broadcasters when driving around bends. This results in more uniformcrops and helps prevent of undesired over-fertilisation inside the bend as well as fertiliser placement beyond the field boundary.

The challenge: complex causal relationships

Curve compensation has already been implemented by AMAZONE in crop protection sprayers. However, the sprayer boom is located tight behind the physical pivot point of the machine. The application rate only has to be adjusted within the boom width for curve compensation.

The throwing distance of a centrifugal broadcaster is up to twice the working width and the application area is many metres behind the spreader depending on the type of fertiliser. Furthermore, the spread fan is kidney-shaped. In addition to the rate adjustment on the inside the bend, the movement of the spread pattern from the spreader must first and foremost be counteracted.

All this demands detailed knowledge of the way that the spreading unit works with the various fertilisers along with a corresponding complex implementation of a control algorithm. CurveControl therefore requires an exceptionally high degree of innovation and complexity for a fertiliser spreader.

Consequence: incorrect application caused by the turn

The current state of the art of modern centrifugal broadcasters has the disadvantage that over- and under-fertilised areas inside of the working width occur when negotiating bends as a result of different speeds. This effect is amplified by the combination of forward speed and swivelling of the spread pattern caused by the steering angle. This means that significant over-fertilisation arises in some areas as a result of these multiple overlaps, whereas gaps occur in other areas.

In addition to this, the swivelling of the spread fan at the edge of the field causes fertiliser to be applied beyond the field boundary. This must be avoided without fail with regard to resource conservation and to abide to the applicable regulations.

Perfect fertiliser distribution around curves

CurveControl is being developed as a software option for the ZA-TS mounted fertiliser spreader and the ZG-TS trailed fertiliser spreader.

CurveControl prevents under- and over-fertilisation, which is undesirable from an ecological and economic point of view, and thereby minimises the risk of nutrients leaching into the ground water. Furthermore, incorrect application beyond the field boundary when negotiating bends is prevented by CurveControl. In addition to this, CurveControl can further improve the environmentally-friendly use of mineral fertiliser in combination with existing solutions such as ArgusTwin, WindControl and GPS part-width section control.

In summary, CurveControl closes an important, frequently underestimated gap and provides even distribution in all areas of the field. It will not only make a key contribution to environmental protection but will also improve the cost benefit result for every application.

Joined forces: CLAAS, AgXeed and Amazone establish world-first multi-manufacturer autonomy group

Harsewinkel/Oirlo/Hasbergen-Gaste, 12 September 2023. CLAAS, AgXeed and Amazone have stepped up their collaboration in the field of highly automated and autonomous agricultural machinery and work processes by establishing the first multi-manufacturer autonomy group. 3A – ADVANCED AUTOMATION & AUTONOMY aims to accelerate the development, standardisation and market introduction of semi- and fully autonomous tractor-implement combinations through their combined expertise and is open to other agricultural machinery manufacturers.

3A – ADVANCED AUTOMATION & AUTONOMY:

multi-manufacturer, multi-brand partnership for more efficiency

In many regions of the world, a shortage of skilled labour is a major factor driving the development of highly automated and autonomous technologies in industry and agriculture. The aim is not to replace skilled workers, but to free them up for more demanding tasks, especially at peak times. The 2023 grain harvest in central and northern Europe is a good example: threshing, stubble working, primary tillage and drilling cover crops and follow-on crops all had to be performed simultaneously due to weather-related harvest delays, at a time when skilled workers were often unavailable. New technologies can manage these peaks and make it possible in future to achieve optimum results even with less experienced staff.

However, the further automation of agricultural processes calls for even closer collaboration between manufacturers of tractors and carrier vehicles on the one hand and implements on the other. In recognition of this, CLAAS, AgXeed and Amazone have joined forces to establish 3A – ADVANCED AUTOMATION & AUTONOMY. The three partners have been working together in the field of autonomy for some time already – CLAAS and Amazone are minority shareholders in the Dutch company AgXeed. Through the establishment of 3A, the companies will more closely integrate their individual areas of expertise and create further partnerships to enable the developed technologies to be rolled out more rapidly and on a broader basis.

CLAAS, AgXeed and Amazone have set up the first autonomy group and are unveiling solutions for highly automated and autonomous fieldwork. Other partners are expected to join them in time for Agritechnica.

 Initial solutions for agricultural practice

The market-ready technology developed by the 3A group comprises design and implementation software which was previously available only for autonomous field robots, but can now be used in conjunction with the AgXeed box to control tractors and implements as well. Depending on the requirements and the available hardware, the level of control can range from highly automated to autonomous. From planning through to implementation and analysis, the technology eases the workload of both farm managers and operators and increases the efficiency of agricultural processes.

"Agricultural robots currently act mainly in closed systems with limited applications and without the option of being able to use them in parallel or in combination with other vehicles and implements," the development team explains. "And this is where 3A's innovative approach comes in: within the group, we have developed the AgXeed box technology, which for the first time connects tractors and implements to the planning and autonomous implementation process using the standardised ISOBUS interface. Via this interface, implements can interact with field robots, AgBots and tractors to enable automated or autonomous process optimisation."

The first products developed by 3A are the Amazone AutoTill for mulch cultivators and CLAAS Autonomy connect, which incorporates the entire tillage planning and implementation process. These solutions, which have been tested under field conditions, are the starting point for further multi-manufacturer applications involving every conceivable machine combination for outdoor work processes.

More than just task planning: planning ahead with real-life machine parameters

In addition to A-B lines and A-B contours for automatic steering, and route optimisation, work orders for tractors nowadays may include an application map. 3A goes one step further and enables preliminary planning specifically engineered for process optimisation. This includes the start and end point of application, headland turns and site-specific implement control. Planning ahead with real-life machine parameters – for example rear linkage and hydraulic functions for adjusting the working depth and intensity – makes it possible to program dynamic adjustments to the machine combination before implementation in order to achieve the desired quality of work. Up until now, closed systems have included neither planning nor supervision of the implements and the subsequent implementation process, with the exception of application rates. But with Autonomy connect, CLAAS tractors in conjunction with implements can perform fieldwork with a high degree of automation, or even autonomously. Depending on the degree of automation, the operator can perform other tasks from the cab, or even in the field or yard. Tasks are planned in the familiar CLAAS farm management information system (FMIS) or the AgXeed portal, where it has long been possible to schedule tracks and application maps for tasks.

Up to now, approaches to tillage automation have been limited to comfort functions. Autotill for Amazone cultivators continuously compares the tillage operating procedure with data from the tractors, thereby taking responsibility for the operator's supervisory tasks.

CLAAS Autonomy connect, Amazone AutoTill and AgXeed AgBot offer a wealth of significant advantages for the user:

• Both the tractor and the implement perform all operations precisely as the farmer or contractor has planned.
• The planning function not only calculates the best possible route; it also ensures that the tractor-implement combination is optimally configured. This prevents poor quality work and inefficiency resulting from incorrect settings.
• The first plan forms the basis for reducing the workload in subsequent years, as only seasonal adjustments are then required – for example, depending on the main crop, follow-on crop and rotation.
• Errors by the machine combination are detected by sensors and automatically corrected to maintain consistently high process quality. For example, the system automatically detects when the cultivator is at risk of clogging and adjusts the working depth and speed accordingly.
• Responsibility for producing optimum results no longer lies solely with the operator, which reduces the pressure on them, especially during long working days.
• Preplanned and process-optimised machine-implement combinations are more energy efficient and thus more cost-effective to operate.
• Farmers and highly qualified operators can perform other more important operational tasks while the planned task is being performed, since constant supervision is no longer needed. On non-autonomous tractors, the technology also enables less skilled or experienced operators to produce optimal results.

Talks are currently underway with other machine manufacturers who are interested in joining the multi-manufacturer group and thus play an active role in expanding the range of applications.

Important note:

The product range and feature options may vary in some countries. Please ask the CLAAS sales company or the CLAAS importer in your country in case of doubt.