Analysis:
Monarch Tractor is “betting the farm” that existing small farm operators will more easily accept an autonomous tractor if the machine can leverage their investment in existing implements. Unlike many of its competitors that are bringing single-purpose robotic agriculture platforms to market, the Monarch philosophy is centered around the ubiquity of the compact tractor form factor on farms worldwide. The Monarch team spent three years designing, piloting and iterating on an entirely new platform. The tractor is completely “drive by wire.” This enables the tractor to function autonomously, or even to be remotely operated. The tractor can also function manually just like a classic tractor. The tractor is equipped with a standard 3-point hitch, making it compatible with existing implements. However, the tractor also includes a power bus and a CAN-bus sensor connection, making the tractor “future-proof” and opening the door for innovation as manufacturers release new “smart-implements” that integrate additional sensing and intelligence. – Mike Oitzman

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