University of Missouri researchers testing first-of-its-kind electric, autonomous tractors

In Missouri, researchers at the University of Missouri recently welcome the arrival of one of the nation’s first-of-its-kind electric, autonomous tractors. Known as the Monarch MK-V tractor, this revolutionary piece of technology will be studied for its ability to refine agricultural practices and support farmers with disabilities.

Researchers from the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and College of Engineering received the tractor earlier this month as part of a grant awarded by the Department of Agriculture’s Equipment Grants Program. The new tractor, to be charged with a biofuels generator, will serve as an instrumental tool for both teaching and research in the agriculture and engineering programs.

With the team at MU leading an interdisciplinary collaboration among research universities across the Midwest, including Lincoln University, Kansas State University and Penn State University, this tractor is emblematic of the future of agricultural innovation. As such, the researchers’ goals are divided into research and teaching pursuits that include:

Exploring the autonomous function of the tractor, like making use of sensors and cameras to collect images and then storing the data from those images.

Understanding the tractor’s ability to use artificial intelligence to enhance precision agriculture, such as determining when the sprayer system should be initialized or where to use herbicide or fertilizer.

Working with MU Extension’s AgrAbility Program to understand how people with disabilities can benefit from this technology through use of its autonomous features.

Using the tractor as a teaching tool for classes focusing on developing sensors and control technology for agriculture.