Innovation Lab: at Agritechnica 2023 CLAAS will be demonstrating sustainable and autonomous technology for today’s agriculture and beyond – CLAAS news | CLAAS
CLAAS will be unveiling a prototype autonomous large tractor at Agritechnica 2023. A XERION 12.590 TERRA TRAC has been equipped with relevant sensors such as LIDAR and camera systems, as well as other technology for track planning and process monitoring. Other vehicles are already undergoing further research and component testing in the field.
Cab 4.0 and Cab10Future: a window into the future operator environment on harvesting machines and tractors
Operators are already supported by numerous automatic assistance systems designed to maximise the potential of complex harvesting machines, and the degree of automation is set to increase in the next few years. As a result, there will be periods when operators have so little to do – even in terms of supervision – that they will feel underworked and tire quickly. So in future, harvesting machine cabs must enable operators to perform other activities in addition to those relating specifically to the machine.
The ‘Cab 4.0 – OnField’ research project uses the latest technology such as joystick steering, operator fitness detection and eye tracking to show what the future workplace might look like. This concept features innovative cab equipment with Internet connection and different human-machine interfaces such as cameras, head-up displays, monitors, keypads and much more. With this equipment it is possible to continuously monitor the operator’s occupation level and thus establish two-way communication. When operators are underworked, the system suggests alternative tasks and activities for them to do.
The core element is a virtual assistant supported by an eye tracker in the roof, which speaks to the operator when signs of fatigue are detected and recommends appropriate action. At the press of the button, the operator can adjust the seat to three positions to carry out these actions. The seat faces forward in ‘work mode’ but can be swivelled to the left for ‘relaxation mode’. In this position, the operator can perform light gymnastic exercises to re-energise their bodies. Alternatively, on the head-up display they can find information about relaxation and stress relief, watch tutorials or do personal work.
In ‘office mode’ the seat is swivelled to the right so the operator can see the head-up display on the right-hand window. In this position, they can place a portable keypad tablet with trackpad between the armrests to do office work such as emails, Internet research, or planning, documentation and controlling work in the farm management system. Farm managers currently have to spend additional time in the office on these tasks, restricting their free time.
The harvesting machine must be equipped with automatic front-area monitoring for the new Cab 4.0 functions to work effectively in the field. The operator is notified in good time of any obstacle detected by the front-area monitoring system so that they can return to work mode and supervise the steering of the machine.
Five companies and institutions are involved in developing the Cab 4.0: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Institute of Human and Industrial Engineering and Institute of Mobile Machines), Institute of Agricultural Engineering at the University of Hohenheim, InMach Intelligente Maschinen GmbH, Budde Industrie Design GmbH and Claas Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH. The Cab 4.0 project was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) in line with ‘Agricultural systems of the future’ funding guidelines. Focus group workshops with operators and farm managers indicate a high level of user acceptance for the project, which was launched in 2019.
CLAAS unveils its own vision of the future cab with CAB10Future: more comfortable workspace with a seat that rotates by up to 60 degrees in both directions for close-up work; intelligent lighting for a more relaxed working environment; large screens in the front focus area for full-on digitisation; and sustainable construction with easily replaceable wear-prone modules and use of recycled materials. ‘Transparent’ A-pillars with cameras and displays reflecting the environment and the absence of a steering column (autonomous operation) create an impressive spatial experience for the operator. 360° exterior lighting simplifies external machine communication.