Automatic ploughing: A tractor guidance system using opto-electronic remote sensing techniques and a microprocessor based controller

Abstract Apparatus has been built which controls the steering of a tractor while ploughing and turning at a headland. Opto-electronic remote sensing techniques are used for position finding and a microprocessor based unit controls the movements of the tractor just before and during the headland turn. The development of the system is described together with its present realization. Field assessments have demonstrated the practical feasibility of the system and have shown where further work is required to achieve complete reliability.