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John Deere is expanding its autonomous vehicle portfolio, announcing plans to develop a range of self-driving agricultural and commercial vehicles. The manufacturer aims to establish a completely autonomous system for corn and soybean farming operations by the end of this decade.
This strategic move builds upon the company’s successful launch of its first driverless tractor in 2022. According to recent coverage by Quartz, the agricultural equipment giant is strengthening its position in autonomous technology development, viewing it as a solution to ongoing workforce challenges in the farming sector.
John Deere unveils autonomous tractors, orchard sprayers, mining trucks, and mowers at CES, addressing labor shortages with advanced technology and improved obstacle avoidance systems.#engineering #InterestingEngineering #CES #CES2025 #AutonomousTractors #smartfarming pic.twitter.com/kHMRtWzORN
— Interesting Engineering (@IntEngineering) January 7, 2025
During his presentation at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, John Deere’s Chief Technology Officer Jahmy Hindman emphasized their commitment to complete autonomy. “When we talk about autonomy, we mean full autonomy,” Hindman stated. “No one’s in the machine.” Their vision encompasses machines capable of independent operation in diverse agricultural environments.
Following the deployment of their initial autonomous tractor model, which farmers across America are currently using for soil preparation, John Deere is set to introduce additional self-driving vehicles. A notable addition is an articulated dump truck with a carrying capacity exceeding 92,000 pounds, designed to enhance safety and efficiency in quarrying operations.
The company is also developing specialized autonomous tractors for pesticide and nutrient application in nut orchards, particularly targeting California’s nut farming industry where labor shortages have been problematic. Their autonomous technology expansion extends to the commercial landscaping sector, with plans for a robotic lawnmower suitable for maintaining office parks and corporate grounds, according to Blue River Technology CEO Willy Pell.
#JohnDeere is bringing its next-gen autonomous technology to orchards, quarries and campus lawns. #ces2025 pic.twitter.com/ksIZ6gNIZC
— CNET (@CNET) January 6, 2025
However, John Deere’s recent manufacturing relocation plans to Mexico have drawn attention, particularly from former President Donald Trump. During a Pennsylvania roundtable event, Trump addressed the situation directly:
“I just noticed behind me John Deere tractors. I know a lot about John Deere. I love the company, but, as you know, they’ve announced a few days ago that they’re going to move a lot of their manufacturing business to Mexico,” Trump said.
“I’m just notifying John Deere right now: If you do that, we’re putting a 200-percent tariff on everything that you want to sell into the United States,” Trump warned.
Trump made these remarks during a gathering in Smithton, Pennsylvania, accompanied by various political figures including Ric Grenell, Dave McCormick, and former Representative Lee Zeldin.
