Doosan Bobcat Debuts Industry First: AT450X Autonomous, Electric Articulating Tractor

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Joel Honeyman, Doosan Bobcat vice president of global innovation, says solutions like the AT450X will “help make farming more sustainable and efficient through digital advancements.” (Photo courtesy of Bobcat.)

Bobcat showcased its new AT450X autonomous tractor at CES 2024 in January. The subcompact machine is good for orchards, vineyards, and other specialty crop operations. It is the first self-driving, electric, and articulating tractor in the agriculture industry.

The AT450X is a battery-powered machine. It combines Bobcat equipment with software and technology from Agtonomy. Agtonomy is a Silicon Valley-based company specializing in autonomous and AI solutions for agriculture. The companies formed a partnership in 2023 and are collaborating on additional products.

Benefits For Farmers

The AT450X’s capability to work autonomously allows farmers to automate various labor- and time-intensive tasks. Farmers can use the machine either with a remote control or manually. The machine is capable of mowing, spraying, precision weeding, and transporting materials and products.

With Agtonomy’s mobile app, operators can easily plan and monitor tasks for multiple machines at once, according to Bobcat.

The Bobcat AT450X Uses AI To Learn

AI integration enables the tractor to learn about and react to its work environment. For example, camera-based systems help the AT450X spot known and unknown objects and automatically stop operation if required. Such systems can also discern between crop stems and weeds, resulting in more precise spraying and reduced chemical usage.

“The Bobcat AT450X with Agtonomy’s TeleFarmer technology makes the perfect end-to-end solution for agriculture and other industries, allowing both companies to make a positive impact, and that is what it is all about,” says Agtonomy CEO and co-founder Tim Bucher.

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The Bobcat AT450X’s capability to work between narrow rows and operate with attachments on slopes makes it a good fit for vineyards and orchards. (Photo courtesy of Bobcat.)

Around-The-Clock Operation

The AT450X can operate 24/7, returning to its home base and swapping out batteries when necessary. It can even insert spent batteries into its charging station.

The AT450X has a zero-emissions electric powertrain. This reduces costs and lets the tractor work safely in enclosed places like food storage facilities.

“By digitally transforming the equipment farmers know and trust, we can help them combat the daily challenges they face, such as labor constraints and the ever-increasing demand for sustainable farming practices in specialty crops,” says Bucher.

Source: Bobcat