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Based on product, the market is segmented into autonomous tractors, robotic harvesters, drones/UAVs, mobile robots, and others. In 2023, the autonomous tractors segment accounted for over 30% of the market share. Autonomous tractors are revolutionizing precision agriculture by providing accuracy in farming operations. For instance, in June 2024, The CNH brand partnered with Bluewhite to distribute, manufacture, and integrate Bluewhite's autonomous technology into New Holland tractors in North America. This strategic alliance enables New Holland dealers to sell, distribute, and service Bluewhite's aftermarket kits for existing tractors, with plans for future expansion.
The companies are also exploring factory-installed solutions. Equipped with advanced GPS and RTK systems, these tractors achieve sub-inch precision in navigation and tasks. This level of accuracy optimizes the use of seeds, fertilizers, and water, reducing waste and environmental impact. They can handle complex patterns and maintain consistent row spacing, even on difficult terrain. Integration with precision agriculture software enables detailed field mapping and the creation of optimized operation plans based on soil conditions, crop types, and yield history.
Based on the application, the smart crop mobility market is divided into field crops, orchards and vineyards, greenhouse operations, specialty crops, and others. The field crops segment is expected to exceed USD 4 billion by 2032 due to several key factors. Next-generation irrigation systems now utilize mobility and intelligence to optimize water usage in field crops. These mobile systems autonomously adjust positions and spray patterns based on real-time soil moisture data and weather forecasts. By integrating soil sensors, weather stations, and AI, they precisely determine watering needs for different field sections. Advanced systems can also detect and address equipment malfunctions or blockages. This innovation is vital in water-scarce regions, significantly reducing water consumption while enhancing crop yields.
Connected farm vehicle fleets are transforming field crop operations. Modern machinery equipped with telematics enables real-time monitoring of equipment location, performance, and maintenance. This connectivity allows for optimized fleet deployment, predictive maintenance, and automated documentation of field operations. Fleet management platforms can synchronize multiple vehicles, such as coordinating harvesters with transport vehicles. Additionally, blockchain technology is being implemented for transparent documentation of farming operations, increasingly important for compliance and certification.
The U.S. is considered the dominating region in the North American market and accounted for over 85% market share in 2023. The U.S. agricultural sector is shifting towards Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) models. Farmers now prefer subscription-based services over purchasing expensive smart farming equipment. This trend benefits small and medium-sized farms lacking capital for large investments. RaaS providers manage maintenance, upgrades, and technical support, allowing farmers to focus on core operations. This model drives innovation as providers enhances offerings to stay competitive, accelerating advancements in agricultural robotics technology.
Europe is transitioning to electric agricultural vehicles due to strict emissions regulations and sustainability goals. Germany and the Netherlands lead this shift, offering incentives for farmers to adopt electric tractors and equipment. These vehicles reduce carbon emissions, lower operating costs, and operate more quietly. Manufacturers are developing high-capacity batteries for agricultural use, addressing concerns about operating time and power output. The expansion of rural charging infrastructure and the integration of renewable energy sources on farms support this trend.
The Asia Pacific region is developing small-scale smart agricultural equipment for smallholder farmers. Japan and South Korea are leading in creating compact, intelligent machinery for the region's smaller, irregularly shaped fields. These affordable, easy-to-operate machines feature advanced sensors and AI capabilities. This trend addresses labor shortages in rural areas and enables farmers to utilize precision agriculture technologies without large-scale equipment.