Alongside new implements, Lemken will have a heavy focus on technologies at this year’s event, as the industry moves increasingly to automation. Amongst the systems launched in Hanover is the iQblue smart implement, developed alongside Dutch software company Track32.
Installed on the Karat tined cultivator, it uses three different systems to monitor the machine during operation and provide feedback to the operator, or in the case of an autonomous tractor, the central control system. Flow control monitors the flow of material through the machine, with image analysis to detect where an accumulation of residue or soil may cause a blockage.
This is paired with slippage control, with speed sensors that monitor slip at the roller and adjust the ground speed to proactively maintain consolidation. The final part is the tool monitoring system that uses a camera and AI-supported image analysis to assess the condition of the cultivator shares during headland turns. All the information is collected within the Isobus display, enabling operators to make proactive decisions.
Autonomous fan controls
For the company’s range of pneumatic drills, Lemken has also developed iQblue fan automation, awarded a Silver Innovation Award. Using a vacuum sensor at the air intake, it monitors the actual amount of air drawn in to map the total flow throughout the machine and provide the basis for adaptive control.
According to the company, while previous approaches typically meant setting the fan based on manufacturer recommendations and then adjusting based on seed and ground speed, this will provide actionable data for these changes, as well as quick recognition of problems, including malfunctions, blocked pipes and leaks.
It’s a modular system that can be specified up to full Isobus control, making it possible to retrofit to existing machines, as well as on newly purchased units.
Machine connect
The final iQblue system to be shown at the event is Machine Connect, which enables multiple machines, with or without their own Isobus connection, to be run as a single unit. As an example, this could be a front tank, seed drill and granular applicator, controlled through a single Isobus connection.
Using this system, operators only have to use a single Isobus page to adjust the machines, with standardised menu navigation and synchronised settings, speeding up setup times in the field.
Lemken will exhibit in Hall 11 on Stand B51