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Most of the current crop row detection algorithms focus on extracting crop canopy rows as location information. However, for some high-pole crops, due to the transverse deviation of the position of the canopy and roots, the agricultural machinery can easily cause the wheel to crush the crop when it is automatically driven. In fact, it is more accurate to use the crop root row as the feature for its location calibration, so a method of crop root row detection is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the ROI (region of interest) of the crop canopy is extracted by a semantic segmentation algorithm, then crop canopy row detection lines are extracted by the horizontal strip division and the midpoint clustering method within the ROI. Next, the Crop Root Representation Learning Model learns the Representation of the crop canopy row and crop root row to obtain the Alignment Equation. Finally, the crop canopy row detection lines are modified according to the Alignment Equation parameters to obtain crop root row detection lines. The average processing time of a single frame image (960 × 540 pix) is 30.49 ms, and the accuracy is 97.1%. The research has important guiding significance for the intelligent navigation, tilling, and fertilization operation of agricultural machinery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased coverage when spraying, especially using contact substances, leads to higher efficiency and crops. Conventional nozzles, where the droplets move parallel to the stem of the plant ensures a good covering of the horizontal and inclined parts of plants, the vertical parts (strain) the deposit of the solution particles is lower and thus the coverage is inadequate. The main goal of this paper was to determine and to evaluate the coverage degree for 4 types of nozzles and for the Gamberini 500 orchard spraying machine. Experimental tests conducted with two types of nozzles aimed the coverage assessment of horizontal and vertical parts of the plant using conventional and double jet nozzles. Evaluation of coverage was made using water sensitive paper and the MATHCAD program, which determines the area covered. For the purpose of this paper, the machine Gamberini 500 was used in laboratory conditions to determine and evaluate the coverage degree. This spraying machine is a pneumatic one, with a special boom. In order to evaluate the degree of coverage, a special paper was used, which was placed at different heights (1; 2; 3m) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 9.75 kW walk-behind type hand tractor powered 2-row fully automatic vegetable transplanter for individual paper pot seedlings was developed by considering the power availability, paper pot dimensions and space availability in the hand tractor after the complete removal of rotavator tillage assembly. It consisted of two sets of feeding conveyor, metering conveyor, seedling drop tube, furrow opener, soil covering device, an automatic feeding mechanism, a depth adjustment wheel and hitching arrangement. Horizontal slat-type chain conveyor was used as feeding conveyor and horizontal pusher type chain conveyor was used as metering conveyor. The automatic feeding mechanism, with a timing shaft, cam and clutch, was used to coordinate the working of feeding and metering conveyors. The vegetable transplanter carried 108 seedlings on two feeding conveyors in upright orientation, fed them to the metering conveyors and planted them in upright orientation in furrows. The performance of the vegetable transplanter was evaluated for transplanting tomato at 45 × 45 cm spacing in the field at a forward speed of 0.9 km h−1. Field capacity of the transplanter was found to be 0.026 ha h−1. It resulted in the saving of 68% labour and 80% time over the conventional method of manual transplanting. The planting rate of the transplanter was found to be 32 pot seedlings min−1 with 4% missed planting and 5% tilted planting. The soil covering efficiency of the developed vegetable transplanter was about 81% and the quality of transplanting was satisfactory. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The deployment of multi-agent systems (MASs) is widely used in the fields of unmanned agricultural machineries, unmanned aerial vehicles, intelligent transportation, etc. To make up for the defect that the existing PDE-based results are overly idealistic in terms of system models and control strategies, we study the PDE-based deployment of clustered nonlinear first-order and second- order MASs over a finite-time interval (FTI). By designing special communication protocols, the collective dynamics of numerous agents are modeled by simple fist-order and second-order PDEs. Two practical factors, external disturbance and Markov switching topology, are considered in this paper to better match actual situations. Besides, T-S fuzzy technology is used to approximate the unknown nonlinearity of MASs. Then, by using boundary control scheme with collocated measurements, two theorems are obtained to ensure the finite-time H∞ deployment of first-order and second-order agents, respectively. Finally, numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the full article based on a conference paper. Pipe robots are used in agricultural engineering for transportation of materials. Also, they are used for cleaning the internal surfaces of the pipes. In the process of numerical investigation of dynamics of a pipe robot, a specific model for viscous friction is used. This influences the results of numerical calculations of dynamics of a pipe robot. A numerical procedure for more precise calculation of viscous friction is proposed in the paper. Results of investigations for two values of time steps are obtained and presented: without the proposed procedure and with it. Advantages of the improved calculation of viscous friction are indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper takes the frame as the research object and explores the vibration characteristics of the frame to address the vibration problem of a 1-MSD straw-crushing and residual film recycling machine in the field operation process, and an accurate identification of the modal parameters of the frame is carried out to solve the resonance problem of the machine, which can achieve cost reduction and increase income to a certain extent. The first six natural frequencies of the frame are extracted by finite element modal identification and modal tests, respectively. The rationality of the modal test results is verified using the comprehensive modal and frequency response confidences. The maximum frequency error of modal frequency results of the two methods is only 6.61%, which provides a theoretical basis for the optimal design of the frame. In order to further analyze the resonance problem of the machine, the external excitation frequency of the machine during normal operation in the field is solved and compared with the first six natural frequencies of the frame. The results show that the first natural frequency of the frame (18.89 Hz) is close to the external excitation generated by the stripping roller (16.67 Hz). The first natural frequency and the volume of the frame are set as the optimization objectives, and the optimal optimization scheme is obtained by using the Optistruct solver, sensitivity method, and grey correlation method. The results indicate the first-order natural frequency of the optimized frame is 21.89 Hz, an increase of 15.882%, which is much higher than the excitation frequency of 16.67 Hz, and resonance can be avoided. The corresponding frame volume is 9.975 × 107 mm3, and the volume reduction is 3.46%; the optimized frame has good dynamic performance, which avoids the resonance of the machine and conforms to the lightweight design criteria of agricultural machinery structures. The research results can provide some theoretical reference for this kind of machine in solving the resonance problem and carrying out related vibration characteristics research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing cumbersome mechanical control components is one of the trends of modern agricultural machinery towards a high degree of automation. Whether the control components of sugarcane harvesters can gradually be replaced by central control screens, similar to car cabins, is an unresolved question. At the level of human machine interaction, this involves comparing the efficiency between joystick and touch screen control. This paper conducts a simulated experiment to compare and study the efficiency and user experience of joystick and touch screen control in adjusting the topper and base cutter heights of sugarcane harvesters, aiming to provide a reasonable basis for the design of control interfaces in sugarcane harvester cabins. The electromyographic signals, experiment duration, and subjective cognitive evaluations of participants in both the topper and base cutter groups were analyzed. The results showed that the efficiency, learnability, and ease of use of different control methods varied under different operational tasks. For the topper that corresponds to the operating behavior and height transformation in real time, joystick control demonstrated superior ease of use and operational efficiency compared to touch screen control, with weaker learnability. There was no discernible difference in muscle activation levels between the two control methods. Consequently, joystick control is deemed more suitable for the height adjustment of the topper. Regarding the base cutter with non-real-time mapping of operating behavior and height changes, no significant disparity in ease of use and learnability was observed between the two control methods. Touch screen control yielded lower muscle activation levels and garners higher overall subjective cognitive scale ratings. Thus, touch screen control is considered more suitable for base cutter height adjustment. Lastly, the paper proposes the optimal combination of software and hardware for control components in sugarcane harvester cabins, and provides an objective and multidimensional experimental analysis method for future research on similar human machine interaction interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the characteristics of a tractor power transmission system, make the transmission system not only meet the geometric principle but also meet the working speed requirements of the tractor, realize the continuous adjustment of the speed ratio, and solve the power interruption caused by the change of speed ratio. This paper not only proposes a new type of five-stage hydraulic mechanical continuously variable transmission (HMCVT), but also proposes a geometric design method based on I-GA. In this paper, the intersection position of each working section is introduced in the optimization design process, and six wet clutches, one brake and two planetary rows are used to achieve a flexible geometric design. The results show that the HMCVT proposed in this paper can effectively match the required speed of the tractor. After optimization, the transmission ratio characteristics are consistent with the target characteristics (the average error is about 3.27% and the common ratio is about 1.81); the simulation results based on Simulation X are highly consistent with the theoretical design values (the MAPE of 36 simulation experiments is about 0.72%); and the maximum speed of the tractor is 41.62 km/h. The proposed HMCVT design scheme and optimization design method provide a direct basis for the research and development of the composite power transmission system of tractors or other vehicles and agricultural machinery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective succession planning is a critical aspect of leadership continuity and organizational success. This article delves into the succession planning strategies of two prominent agricultural machinery companies, John Deere and Titan Machinery, providing insights into their distinctive approaches during leadership transitions. John Deere, a renowned global leader in agriculture and related services, employed a strategy that centred around continuous improvement and the development of leaders capable of transmitting their knowledge to others. Their introduction of the “teachable point of view” (TPOV) and the organization of Leadership EDGE events exemplify their commitment to nurturing a culture of leadership development. In contrast, Titan Machinery adopted a strategy that emphasized experience and continuity. With Bryan Knutson, a seasoned executive within the organization, taking over as CEO, the company focuses on operational excellence, expansion, and an unwavering commitment to customer service. The outcomes of these strategies include seamless leadership transitions, a focus on leadership development, the preservation of organizational culture, a commitment to operational excellence, and the introduction of fresh strategic visions for future growth. The focus is on examining the strategies, approaches, and outcomes of their succession plans, with an emphasis on commonalities and differences between the two companies. The paper aims to provide insights into effective succession planning practices within the context of these organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed performance testing of agricultural machinery is very important in determining its value in use. These measurements cannot be limited to laboratory tests, such as braking the power take-off (PTO) shaft of a tractor or performing dynamic tests of implements in a soil bin. Field tests are the ultimate way to test the capabilities of agricultural machinery. However, during such field tests, there are many parameters that can interfere with and affect the test results, such as inhomogeneity of the soil and tyre characteristics. In order to minimise these effects as much as possible, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) Institute of Technology, Agriculture Engineering Labs. has developed a dynamometer vehicle with an electronic brake control system that is suitable for measuring the traction characteristics of agricultural tractors and other terrain vehicles. It is also capable of testing different track systems and tyre-soil interactions. This paper introduces this special test vehicle by presenting measurement results and also describes other interesting applications for the agricultural community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to overcome the impact of vibration generated by agricultural machinery on the monitoring accuracy and performance of vehicle-mounted crop growth monitoring systems during field operation. This paper developed a vehicle-mounted crop growth monitoring system with vibration damping capability to achieve this goal. The system consists of a multispectral crop growth sensor, signal conditioning module, and truss-type sensor bracket with self-vibration damping capability. The commercial finite element analysis software ABAQUS 6.10 was used to conduct modal and dynamic simulation analyses of the sensor bracket, which indicate that the truss-type sensor bracket can damp vibrations effectively. The p-values (least significant differences) of crop canopy DNRE (red edge normalized difference vegetation index) under different operating speeds (1.5, 3, and 4.5 km/h) are 0.454, 0.703, 0.81, and 0.838, respectively, for four different crop growth stages. In a comparative experiment between the proposed monitoring system and two similar vehicle-mounted sensors (CropSpec and GreenSeeker RT 200) for measuring agronomic parameters at different stages of crop growth, the proposed monitoring system yielded R2 values of 0.8757, 0.7194, and 0.795, respectively, and RMSE values of 0.7157, 2.2341, and 2.0952, respectively, in the tillering stage, jointing stage, and tillering and jointing stage, outperforming the other two sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper primarily presents statistics on the variation of physical characteristics (dimensions and mass) for the coulter discs of double-disc seeders. This statistic was calculated based on actual measurements of the probability density and cumulative probability for the mass of the discs, their average thickness, and outer diameter. These parameters (m = 4000 g, g = 4 mm, D = 380 mm) are tracked from the design phase to the actual realization phase, being the parameters specified in the purchase phase by users from agricultural machinery distributors. The standard deviation and deviation from the mean for a cumulative normal (Gaussian) distribution were calculated, and an analysis was made for the decrease of the mentioned parameters in discs already used for sowing cereals on an area of 80 hectares, due to the wear that appeared as a trace of the contact with the soil and the abrasive wear caused by it. Testing of disk parameters using both logarithmic and Gaussian distributions was performed, and test results are presented through appropriate graphs. With small deviations (which appeared for known or unknown reasons), it can be stated that the distribution of the mentioned parameters is generally a normal-type distribution. If the new discs are 15″ in diameter, experts recommend that they be replaced when they reach a diameter of less than 14.5 inches. This study can provide a reference for improving the physical characteristics of opener discs of seed drills in no-till conditions and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the problems of low bright rates and high rates of potato injuries, a left and right-hand rotation combination of potato–soil separation devices was developed. Its overall structure and working principle were introduced. A Texture Analyzer and pressure sensor were used to measure the force threshold of different varieties of potatoes. A discrete element model of separation rollers and potatoes was established. The collision characteristics of potatoes were analyzed using the device inclination angle, rotational speed, and the center distance of the separation rollers as test factors. A field trial was carried out to optimize the best combination of factors by taking the rate of injured potatoes, bright potatoes, and skin-breaking rate as the test indexes. The force threshold for skin-breaking injury in potatoes was found to be 190–195 N. When the inclination angle of the device was 6°, the rotation speed of the separation roller was 100 r/min, and the distance between the centers of the separation rollers was 79 mm. The rate of injury was 1.25%, the rate of bright potatoes was 99.01%, and the rate of skin-breaking was 1.58%. When the inclination angle of the device was 8°, the rotational speed of the separating roller was 80 r/min, and the center distance of the separating roller was 79 mm, the rate of injured potato was 1.43%, the rate of bright potato was 98.64%, and the rate of broken skin was 1.77%. This paper offers an optimized reference for the effectual removal of sticky soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]