FarmBot-based-ISOBUS demonstrator for research and teaching

Abstract

With the rise of digitalization in today’s agriculture, it is becoming increasingly important to integrate modern technology, like ISOBUS, in both research and education. That’s why a certain number of products such as Hardware-in-the-Loop and physics-engine based simulators or small scale ISOBUS demonstrators have already been developed in the past [Fa20]. Still, Researchers and students have limited options to interact with this type of system. Combining ISOBUS with an open-source farming robot called FarmBot represents a unique opportunity to work and teach with a small-scale local setup. To this end, a demonstrator was created that integrates a university FarmBot with an actual tractor terminal. The demonstrator’s software controls and tracks the FarmBot’s movements. Written in Python, it features robust compatibility and expandability. The hardware component connects this software to the ISOBUS terminal. A simple attachment setup mimics a tractor implement and displays advanced ISOBUS functions. Section Control and Variable Rate Application are of two these functions accurately incorporated by the developed tool. This system allows for a customizable demonstrator on university grounds, enabling students and researchers to work and learn with industry-standard implements.