John Deere’s Autonomous Innovations Shine at CES 2025
CES 2025 proved to be a landmark event for John Deere as the company showcased its ground-breaking line-up of next-generation autonomous machines.
These innovations, designed to tackle labour shortages and improve efficiency, captivated audiences across industries. From large-scale farming to quarry operations, John Deere demonstrated how their advanced technology is setting new standards in autonomy.
Labour Shortages and the Need for Automation
Labour shortages continue to plague multiple sectors. The American Farm Bureau Federation reports that U.S. agriculture faces an annual shortfall of 2.4 million jobs. Similarly, 88% of construction contractors and 86% of landscaping business owners struggle to find skilled workers.
Addressing this challenge, Jahmy Hindman, Chief Technology Officer at John Deere, highlighted autonomy as a vital solution: “Our agriculture, construction, and commercial landscaping customers all have work that must get done at certain times of the day and year, yet there is not enough available and skilled labour to do the work.
“Autonomy can help address this challenge. That’s why we’re extending our technology stack to enable more machines to operate safely and autonomously in unique and complex environments. This will not only benefit our customers but all of us who rely on them to provide the food, fuel, fibre, infrastructure, and landscaping care that we depend on every day.”
Autonomous 9RX Tractor for Large-Scale Agriculture
One of the standout innovations was the Autonomous 9RX Tractor, designed to revolutionise tillage operations.
With 16 cameras providing a 360-degree view, this second-generation machine allows farmers to focus on other critical tasks while ensuring precision and efficiency in the field.
Autonomous 5ML Orchard Tractor for Air Blast Spraying
The Autonomous 5ML Orchard Tractor tackles the complexities of air blast spraying in dense orchard canopies.
Featuring advanced Lidar sensors, this machine navigates challenging environments with ease. Attendees at CES 2025 were also introduced to plans for a battery-electric version, showcasing John Deere’s commitment to sustainability.
460 P-Tier Autonomous Articulated Dump Truck for Quarry Operations
Quarrying operations require precision and repetition, making the 460 P-Tier Autonomous Articulated Dump Truck (ADT) a valuable addition.
This machine’s autonomy kit simplifies material transport within quarries, streamlining operations and reducing the need for manual intervention.
Autonomous Battery-Electric Mower for Commercial Landscaping
Designed to address labour shortages in commercial landscaping, the Autonomous Battery-Electric Mower offers full 360-degree camera coverage.
This compact yet capable machine frees up crews to focus on higher-value tasks, enhancing productivity and competitiveness.
Enhancing Operations with John Deere’s Cloud Platform
CES attendees were impressed by the seamless integration of these machines with the John Deere Operations Center Mobile.
This intuitive platform allows users to control machines with a simple swipe, access live video and data, and receive real-time alerts for anomalies or maintenance needs. The platform’s capabilities were a highlight of John Deere’s showcase.
Retrofitting Options and Future-Ready Solutions
Flexibility is key to John Deere’s approach, as evidenced by their retrofit kits for existing machines.
Customers not ready to invest in new models can still benefit from the second-generation autonomy kits, ensuring a smoother transition to autonomous operations.
Insights from CES 2025 Panel Discussions
John Deere also played a prominent role in several panel discussions at CES 2025, offering valuable insights into the future of technology and its applications:
- Tech Without Borders: The Benefits of Tech for All Communities: Deanna Kovar, President of the Worldwide Agriculture & Turf Division, emphasised how technology can bridge gaps and create opportunities.
- AI or Die? Why Farms Must Embrace the AI Revolution to Survive: Sarah Schinckel, Director of Emerging Technologies, discussed how AI is reshaping farming practices to ensure long-term sustainability.
- Robot Farm 2050: A Look at Robotics & The Future of Farming: Gaurav Bansal, VP of Engineering at Blue River Technology, explored the role of robotics in addressing future agricultural challenges.
Continuing the Momentum
John Deere’s presence at CES 2025 showcased more than just machines—it highlighted a vision for the future. By addressing pressing issues like labour shortages and sustainability, the company demonstrated its commitment to supporting essential industries that keep our world moving.
As these autonomous innovations roll out, the potential for increased productivity and reduced environmental impact becomes clear.
