Enhancing Sugar Cane Harvest with Vehicle Automation

A CASE STUDY IN AGRICULTURE

In the pursuit of advancing agricultural practices, CPAC Systems collaborated with Volvo Trucks Brazil to develop cutting-edgeautonomous vehicle technology tailored for the Brazilian sugar cane industry. This case study highlights the successful implementation of driver assistance systems and vehicle automation to improve the efficiency and precision of sugar cane harvesting.

CHALLENGES IN TRADITIONAL SUGAR CANE HARVESTING

The traditional sugar cane harvesting process involves a harvester working in tandem with a truck. The truck driver faces the delicate task of maintaining the same speed as the harvester and staying within the correct wheel track to prevent damage to the sugar cane root. The inconsistency of manual precision steering accounted for approximately between four to seven percent of the harvest loss, resulting in substantial financial implications due to the sugar cane’s extended lifespan of five to six years. 

DEVELOPMENT OF A DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM

  • Streamlined harvesting process  
  • Reduced operational costs
  • Improved work environment
  • Increased efficiency 
  • Secure maximum harvesting output 

DEVELOPMENT OF A DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM

To address these challenges, CPAC Systems and Volvo Trucks Brazil initiated a development project to create a state-of-the-art driver assistance system. The primary objective was to enable the vehicle to maintain the optimal positioning in relation to the harvester while incorporating new technologies to ensure precision and minimize losses. 

 The design implemented is a sophisticated system utilizing GPS and modern gyro technology to implement a precision harvesting solution. The driver assistance system enabled the vehicle to follow a pre-programmed digital map using GPS guidance. Meanwhile, the gyro technology ensured that the vehicle never deviated more than 25 mm from the designated route. 

With this system, truck drivers no longer needed to focus on steering, allowing them to concentrate on other critical tasks. This improvement not only created a better work environment but also significantly enhanced the driver’s performance, leading to a reduction in human-induced harvesting losses. 

CONCLUSION

Through close collaboration and innovative technologies, CPAC Systems and Volvo Trucks Brazil successfully developed and implemented a cutting-edge driver assistance system for sugar cane harvesting. This project underscores the positive outcomes of integrating autonomous vehicles in agriculture, paving the way for future developments to further revolutionize the industry. With the unwavering commitment to improving agricultural practices, the journey towards autonomy continues, promising a brighter and more sustainable future for the global farming community.