ohn Deere presented a range of autonomous and electric machines at CES 2025, highlighting innovations aimed at improving efficiency in the landscaping and agriculture industries.
The showcased products, including an electric robot lawnmower, focus on addressing labor shortages and automating tasks in these sectors.
The electric robot lawnmower, powered by a 21.4 kWh battery, offers up to 10 hours of operation on a single charge. Equipped with four pairs of stereo cameras for 360-degree vision, the mower can function autonomously. Additionally, it operates more quietly compared to traditional gas-powered mowers, which could allow for earlier start times without disrupting nearby areas.
John Deere’s focus on automation comes in response to the challenges faced by the landscaping industry, where many business owners struggle to find skilled labor. “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 labor to do the work,” said John Deere Chief Technology Officer Jahmy Hindman. “Autonomy can help address this challenge.”
In addition to the robot lawnmower, John Deere introduced three other self-driving vehicles, including a second-generation autonomous tractor with 16 cameras and an Nvidia GPU, and an articulated dump truck designed for construction and quarry operations, capable of carrying over 92,000 lbs of materials. A specialized tractor for orchards was also presented, featuring LiDAR technology to navigate areas where GPS signals may be obstructed, ensuring more accurate operation.
These developments signal ongoing efforts to integrate automation into various industries, though the potential impacts on employment and labor dynamics will be closely watched as the technology advances.
