The University of Missouri (MU) has received one of the nation's first-of-its-kind electric, autonomous tractors. The tractor, known as the Monarch MK-V, will be used for both teaching and research in the university's agriculture and engineering programs.
The tractor was funded by a grant from the Department of Agriculture's Equipment Grants Program. It will be charged with a biofuels generator, reducing its environmental impact.
The researchers at MU plan to use the tractor to study the following:
• Autonomous function
• Precision agriculture
• Benefits for farmers with disabilities
• Sensor and control technology for agriculture
"This is a tool to showcase to our farmers and stakeholders how new technologies can change traditional and conventional farming activities," said Jianfeng Zhou, a professor in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.
The tractor is expected to be a valuable tool for Missouri's small-scale farms, according to Dan Downing, a water quality expert with MU Extension.
"This tractor will help us build an aerial-ground collaborative robotic system for ensuring efficient crop production," said Prasad Calyam, a professor in MU's College of Engineering.
The tractor will be utilized jointly between the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and the MU College of Engineering.
"We are thrilled for Mizzou, CAFNR, Engineering and Extension to be leaders in the digital agriculture space across the country," said Christopher Daubert, CAFNR vice chancellor and dean.
The arrival of the electric, autonomous tractor is a sign of the future of agriculture. By studying this new technology, MU researchers hope to help farmers improve their efficiency and reduce their environmental impact.
Photo Credit: istock-cactusoup
Categories: Missouri, Equipment & Machinery