Escorts develops Autonomous Farming Solutions in collaboration with tech partners

One of India’s leading engineering conglomerate Escorts Ltd, today announced its Farming Automated Solutions with the launch of its automated concept tractor, which it says brings the power of next generation digital vehicle technologies aimed at precision-based farming.

The announcement came at the sidelines of the Esclusive 2018, the company’s annual innovation platform which is scheduled for September 6 every year.  The autonomous tractor was developed by the company in collaboration with seven major technology companies – Microsoft, Reliance Jio, Trimble, Samvardhana Motherson Group, Wabco, Bosch and AVL.

Escorts says the partnership and relationship with the technology companies will enable development of a range of farm machines with electric transmissions, autonomous applications, remote vehicle management, data-based soil and crop management, and sensor-based guided farm applications.

The company says the Indian agriculture and farming practices require extensive mechanisation and precision based agro solutions for maximised output and improved farmer income. More and more technological solutions and digital interface are required to enable a farmer to source farming intelligence and better cultivation information on soil health, seeds, water management and advance technologies for much better output and earnings.

For this the company says it collaborated with AVL for electric driveline technology, with Trimble for sensors, controls, water level management system and automated e-steering, with Samvardhana Motherson Group for smart interface cabins and Care Plus – a two-way voice interface for real time service, with Wabco for vehicle controls and automation technology, with Microsoft for its cloud and AI technology enabling precision agriculture capabilities to help farmers make informed decisions and get more from their farms, Bosch for future emission readiness and with Reliance Jio for enhancing farm machinery life cycle with networked platform providing service and genuine spare parts across the country.

Escorts’ platform of shared services and agricultural solutions ‘Escorts Crop Solutions’ will look to offer end-to-end, start-of-the –art equipment for paddy farming under pay-per-use rental model, Traxi as a service platform to aggregate farm equipment owners to rent out their equipment to small and marginal farmers. Smart Parts will offer genuine parts and skilled service at an affordable price, Digitrac as a front-end farmer interface for inputs and customised information and Farm Power will aim to provide advanced implements and equipments for efficient and productive farming.

Through its innovation platform the company also showcased collaborated technology with Tadano for high-end cranes under its new JV, as well as high-end locomotives brake electronic solutions, claiming to be the first Indian company to do so.

Speaking at the Esclusive 2018, Nikhil Nanda, chairman and managing director, Escorts, said: Esclusive is our annual innovation platform, which showcases unique innovations and disruptions in agriculture, construction and railways segments in collaboration with global technology players. Last year, we launched world’s first electric compact tractor concept and this year we have pioneered autonomous farming solution in association with seven strategic technology tie-ups, which will transform agriculture practices for better returns to farmers. This event portrays Escorts commitment to continue to develop and launch technologies for national development and community elevation. Escorts is proud to have collaborated with Microsoft, Reliance Jio, Samvardhana Motherson Group, Bosch, Trimble, AVL, Tadano and Wabco to co-create technologies for autonomous agriculture and smart infrastructure.”

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