Autonomous software developer Apex.AI is working with agtech specialist Krone and tillage equipment manufacturer Lemken to develop autonomous farming systems. The ‘Combined Powers’ concept vehicle developed by Krone and Lemken is an autonomous drive unit that acts as a smart system that can plough, cultivate, sow, mow, turn and swath.

The companies are now developing their concept carrier vehicle from prototype stage to series production with Apex.AI’s Software Development Kit (SDK), comprising Apex.Grace and Apex.Ida.

The commercial-ready ‘Combined Powers’ vehicle is aimed at saving farmers time while maintaining quality precision.

There is a shortage of skilled workers in agriculture as in many other sectors. Farmers are increasingly relying on digitisation and automation to use available work capacity and are increasingly employing technology including robots to assist in livestock breeding or work the fields autonomously.

Key software functions of the ‘Combined Powers’ architecture are based on the Robot Operating System ROS, making it a logical decision to rely on Apex.AI products, which are also based on ROS. Unlike ROS, however, Apex.AI’s products are certified by TÜV Nord for applications with special functional safety requirements and are therefore suitable for commercial vehicle use. Due to the compatibility, the data obtained with the prototypes can be used directly in series development. This makes the Apex.AI software the ideal core component for the further development of the ‘Combined Powers’ products into series production.

“Apex.AI is establishing an operating software for the autonomous age. The partnership with Krone and Lemken is a win-win for all parties: Our development environment, consisting of Apex.Grace and Apex.Ida, is the perfect basis for the applications of Krone’s and Lemken’s carrier vehicles. We are now working closely with both companies on a first project to familiarise the teams from the agricultural technology manufacturers with the suitability for series production and the possibilities of the Apex.AI products and methods. We will also evaluate our software as the framework and middleware solutions as part of the implementation phase of the VTE concept,” said Jan Becker, CEO of Apex.AI.

“In working with Apex.AI, we see the opportunity to move from a development solution based on ROS and ROS 2 to a series solution based on Apex.Grace and being able to implement secure functions,” said Manuel Volk, developer at Krone, the partnership with Apex.AI, “I also expect a faster learning curve in the company, since many developers are familiar with the concepts and tools of the Apex.AI SDK from their previous work with ROS and ROS 2.”

“Apex.AI enables us to develop applications that are largely independent of the hardware used. This accelerates the development process and reduces complexity,” said Michael Nienhaus, a developer at Lemken.