AI @ Deere & Co.
Summary
- John Deere has progressively expanded the use of AI and machine learning since at least 2018, evolving from initial 'see and spray' real-time weed detection technology to fully autonomous tractors and integrated farm ecosystems by 2025.
- Key leadership figures such as CTO Jahmy Hindman have driven Deere's AI strategy, which now includes partnerships with technology leaders like NVIDIA for advanced edge computing, and investments up to $300 million in AI and machine learning capabilities.
- The AI implementations have focused on precision agriculture (e.g., analyzing grain quality, optimizing chemical use), addressing labor shortages with autonomous equipment, and improving farm productivity and sustainability, culminating in leadership in autonomous farming technology and digital operational tools like 5G connectivity and digital twins by late 2025.
VIBE METER
5 AI Use Cases at Deere & Co.
Precision Spraying2025Customer Facing
Autonomous Operations2024Customer Facing
Labor Shortage Mitigation2024Customer Facing
Data-Driven Insights2023Customer Facing
Crop Quality Optimization2021
Timeline
2025 Q4
Enhanced autonomous field operations with computer vision powered driverless tractors; implemented productivity tools including 5G, data analytics, and digital twin technology in manufacturing.
2025 Q3
John Deere leverages 36 cameras with advanced ML to refine 'See and Spray' precision, reducing chemical use and enhancing crop yields; CTO Jahmy Hindman highlights AI's divergent approach from Silicon Valley norms.
2025 Q2
Scaled AI innovation to facilitate labor shortage solutions, broaden adoption of 'See & Spray' technology, enhancing precision weed targeting and improving operational productivity.
2025 Q1: no updates
2024 Q4
Implemented generative AI solutions for enhanced database access to support operational efficiency and data-driven decision making.
2024 Q3
Advanced integration of AI data, edge computing with NVIDIA partnership, and $300 million investment in AI/ML; strengthened position as leader in precision agriculture.
2024 Q2: no updates
2024 Q1
Developed robotics and AI solutions primarily targeting agricultural labor shortages, delivering productivity enhancements and modernized farm management.
2023 Q4
Announced preparations for a fully autonomous farm by 2030, emphasizing AI technologies such as computer vision and machine learning to meet global food demands.
2023 Q3
Focused on end-to-end AI adoption from factory automation to autonomous field operations; deployed AI-driven seeding machine targeting weeds with lasers.
2023 Q2
Expanded AI integration in farm machines delivering data insights and automation; launched AI-powered features like ExactShot for optimized inputs.
2023 Q1: no updates
2022 Q4: no updates
2022 Q3: no updates
2022 Q2
Debuted a fully autonomous tractor at CES 2022; advanced AI and automation positioned John Deere as a major AI innovator in agriculture.
2022 Q1: no updates
2021 Q4: no updates
2021 Q3
Applied machine learning to analyze grain quality and adjust harvesting parameters automatically to reduce damage and improve yield.
2021 Q2
Committed hundreds of millions of dollars shifting corporate culture to deeply integrate AI as a core operational transformation.
2021 Q1: no updates
2020 Q4: no updates
2020 Q3: no updates
2020 Q2
Reinforced position on AI, ML, and computer vision as cutting-edge technologies in agriculture to harvest efficiencies and productivity gains.
2020 Q1: no updates
2019 Q4
John Deere launched its 'Farm Forward' campaign focusing on deploying AI across machines towards an autonomous farm vision.
2019 Q3: no updates
2019 Q2: no updates
2019 Q1: no updates
2018 Q4: no updates
2018 Q3: no updates
2018 Q2: no updates
2018 Q1
John Deere introduced 'see and spray' technology utilizing machine learning to process real-time images for weed identification and targeted spraying.