John Deere has taken a step forward in enhancing its manufacturing efficiency by partnering with TractEasy for the supply of the “EZTow” autonomous tow-tractor. This move underscores John Deere’s commitment to integrating innovative automation solutions into its operations.
The partnership was solidified following a successful proof of concept at the John Deere Harvester Works in East Moline, Illinois, where the EZTow demonstrated its capability by autonomously moving combine harvester cabs from staging to the assembly line, even under challenging mixed traffic and winter conditions. The autonomous vehicle relies on an advanced array of sensors and real-time processing cameras to navigate complex environments safely and efficiently.
Richard Reno, CEO of TractEasy, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting the potential for automation in manufacturing flows that include exterior routes and highlighting TractEasy’s role in leading this initiative alongside John Deere.
TractEasy, a joint venture between TLD, a ground support equipment manufacturer, and EasyMile, a driverless technology provider, specializes in outdoor towing solutions. The EZTow tow tractor boasts the capacity to autonomously tow up to 20 tons (44,000 lbs), making it the most deployed autonomous tow tractor worldwide. Its versatility and reliability have been proven in various sectors, including automotive manufacturing plants, logistics centers, and major airports for baggage handling and cargo operations across Europe, Asia, and North America.
EasyMile, celebrated for its contributions to driverless transport solutions, partners with leading manufacturers to revolutionize their vehicles with cutting-edge technology prioritizing safety and readiness for immediate deployment. Since its inception in 2014, EasyMile has achieved notable milestones, including being the first to achieve fully driverless operation at Level 4 of autonomous driving and operating the highest number of remotely supervised deployments. Its commitment to excellence is further demonstrated by its ISO 9001:2015 certification, marking it as a frontrunner in the autonomous vehicle solutions sector.
This strategic partnership between John Deere and TractEasy signifies a forward-thinking approach to manufacturing and logistics, positioning John Deere at the forefront of adopting autonomous technologies to improve operational efficiency and safety within its global manufacturing processes.
