Midwest's first fully autonomous tractor debuts at MU

The University of Missouri has introduced its inaugural all-electric, autonomous tractor, heralding it as a groundbreaking technology that could revolutionize agricultural practices, enhancing efficiency and sustainability.

Funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Monarch MK-V tractor represents the Midwest's first fully autonomous tractor. This innovation, developed in collaboration with the MU College of Engineering and MU Extension, operates exclusively on electricity and features cameras and sensors for remote operation. Its artificial intelligence capabilities enable data collection and crop health analysis, positioning it at the forefront of agricultural innovation.

Kent Shannon, an expert in agricultural systems and technology at CAFNR, noted the tractor's suitability for smaller farms, including his own, despite its higher price tag. The standard model starts at approximately $89,000, more than double the cost of a traditional tractor of similar size. However, Shannon emphasized that the full value of the tractor's advanced capabilities is yet to be fully realized, potentially making it an affordable investment in the context of agriculture as a whole.

Sazzad Rifat, a MU PhD student studying biosystems engineering, anticipates exploring the tractor's autonomous driving features and obstacle navigation capabilities.

University researchers are also keen to investigate how the MK-V can support farmers with disabilities. These findings will be shared through MU Extension's AgrAbility program, which assists farmers with disabilities in overcoming challenges.

For Missouri's small-scale farms, this tractor's technological prowess could be transformative, particularly in terms of reducing emissions and enhancing air and water quality, according to Dan Downing, a water quality expert with MU Extension.

While state subsidies for this emerging technology are currently unavailable, Teng Lim, a professor at MU Extension, suggests there's a promising possibility of future state support as this innovation continues to evolve.
 

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