Revolutionizing agriculture: Top tech innovations unveiled at CES 2025
Agriculture is entering a new era, as shown by some tractor companies that revealed groundbreaking technologies at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025. These innovations focus on AI-driven machinery and sustainable farming practices that promise to transform how we grow food.
While some of these technologies may take years to reach farms, they offer a glimpse into the future of farming.
John Deere
John Deere showcased cutting-edge autonomous machinery capable of handling various tasks, including tillage, orchard spraying, landscaping, and construction.
The company’s second-generation autonomy system features a “halo” of four cameras mounted on each side of the cab, creating a steady 360-degree visual feed.
Jahmy Hindman, John Deere’s chief technology officer, highlighted this system’s potential to tackle labor shortages across agriculture, construction, and landscaping. By combining tools like guidance solutions, G5 displays, and JDLink modems, John Deere has created a versatile platform ready for multiple industries.
The autonomous system is being tested in various applications, including quarry dump trucks and orchard spraying. Insights from these tests will guide further development, aligning with the company’s goal to create a fully autonomous corn and soybean farming system by 2030.
Kioti
Kioti Tractor and its parent company Daedong Corporation unveiled AI-driven solutions for smarter farming. These include precision agriculture tools, multifunctional robots, and AI-powered plant cultivation systems.
- RX7340 tractor. Equipped with Daedong’s precision technology, it demonstrates how AI can handle different tasks like soil analysis, growth monitoring, and yield comparisons.
- Multifunctional agricultural robot. This robot can follow voice commands and adapt to environmental changes. In one demonstration, it performed tasks like transplanting strawberry seedlings and removing unnecessary growth.
- Plant cultivation system. It places seed capsules in the cultivation system and then AI software and integrated cameras optimize temperature, humidity, airflow, and nutrients to ensure optimal growth.
Kubota
The company focused on providing diverse options for farmers through advanced data analytics, automation, and alternative power solutions.
According to Brett McMickell, chief technology officer at Kubota North America, customer feedback drives their innovations. The company’s “Work Loop” approach — assessing, analyzing, and acting — uses AI and robotics to improve farming efficiency.
Kubota’s key technologies revealed at CES include:
- Agri concept 2.0: An electric tractor with manual operation and an autonomous mode powered by AI and data integration.
- Smart autonomous sprayer: This sprayer uses vision systems to scout pests and minimize chemical use.
- KATR: A four-wheeled autonomous robot for uneven terrain that can work autonomously or remotely for agriculture or construction tasks.
- Smart planter imager: A tool that uses advanced robotics and hyperspectral imaging to provide real-time data for growers.
- Hydrogen engine genset: A portable power solution that runs quietly and cleanly on hydrogen.
- Smart autonomous zero-turn mower: A residential mower that collaborates with other units for large-scale tasks.
Kubota also introduced flash technology and robotic pruners that use AI to enhance plant health monitoring and pruning precision.
Conclusion
The innovations revealed at CES 2025 are set to reshape farming by addressing labor shortages, boosting efficiency, and promoting sustainability. As these technologies become more accessible, they promise to revolutionize agriculture, ensuring a resilient and sustainable future for food production.