John Deere Precision Technology: Experience Applied Intelligence Live in Austin 2023!

John Deere, a leader in agricultural equipment, is now revolutionizing the construction industry with cutting-edge technology aimed at improving site safety, efficiency, and sustainability. By harnessing the knowledge gained from agricultural practices, the company is enhancing precision on construction sites, particularly in earthmoving tasks.

During a keynote address at Applied Intelligence Live! in Austin, Andrew Kahler, technology solutions manager at John Deere’s construction and forestry division, introduced advanced situational awareness tools for construction vehicles utilizing image recognition technology. “Operators may not always be fully aware of their surroundings throughout the day,” Kahler explained. “Our tools are designed to boost their confidence and heighten their awareness of what’s happening on-site.” Extensive efforts were made to ensure that the technology reliably detects people, regardless of weather conditions—be it rain, fog, or snow—and across varied terrains.

The image recognition system scans a full 360 degrees around the vehicle and provides audible alerts to the operator, directing their attention to crucial information displayed on the monitor, including the presence of nearby individuals. This innovation not only enhances safety but also addresses the pressing labor shortage facing the construction sector.

Kahler noted, "We have an escalating need for skilled workers in construction, compounded by the fact that approximately 25% of the existing workforce will retire within the next five to seven years." In response to this challenge, John Deere is focused on making machines easier to operate for newcomers to the industry. “We can rapidly onboard novices, allowing them to operate tractors equipped with our technology effectively and efficiently,” he said.

A critical aspect of construction involves leveling terrain for proper drainage. “We refer to this process as sculpting the dirt, which we achieve through our innovative grade-control system, SmartGrade,” Kahler stated. The SmartGrade system employs Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers, Real-time Kinematic (RTK) positioning corrections, inertial measurement units, and advanced robotics to ensure meticulous grade setting. This technology allows for an impressive accuracy of just 1.2 inches—equivalent to the size of a golf ball—helping both novice and experienced operators achieve outstanding results more swiftly.

Additionally, SmartGrade technology generates valuable data that aids in improving the customer experience, particularly through dealerships. Kahler explained, "If a fleet of 255 machines shows that 10 of them have seen only 10% utilization in the last two months, we can investigate the issue. This insight allows customers to rethink asset deployments or consider upgrading to more efficient equipment."

Kahler emphasized that addressing customer challenges underpins John Deere's operations. “The top three issues in construction are labor-related, and the impending retirement of a significant portion of the workforce only worsens the situation,” he remarked. Many contractors express a desire to expand their operations but struggle to find the necessary personnel. “The industry is actively recruiting from all avenues to attract more talent into construction. We're focused on helping our customers enhance productivity through automation of complex tasks.”

Another significant challenge in the construction industry is the prevalence of wasted time and resources due to rework. Studies indicate that nearly 30% of time, energy, and funds spent on civil construction projects are often the result of repeated efforts. Kahler indicated that any advances that minimize this inefficiency are critical. “We need to empower our workforce to be more capable and technologically savvy, which will directly contribute to reducing rework and improving overall project accuracy.”

Through these advancements, John Deere is not just adapting to the needs of the construction industry; it is actively shaping the future landscape of construction work, fostering an environment that prioritizes safety, efficiency, and sustainability.