With the launch of its OMNi brand, Raven is creating a single strategy for intelligent autonomous solutions to transform the future of agriculture. The new brand and autonomous growth platform include two integrated products – OMNiDRIVE and OMNiPOWER.

The OMNi Strategy

Raven’s journey in reimagining how a farm approaches driverless ag technology began a few years ago by adding two key acquisitions to its precision control expertise. The products – Smart Ag AutoCart and the DOT platform – optimize cloud and cell connectivity, software, and hardware. Under the OMNi brand, which means all, both are being renamed.

Founded by Colin Hurd in 2015, Smart Ag offers aftermarket retrofit kits to automate farm equipment as well as a platform to connect, manage, and safely operate agricultural machinery autonomously. The Ames, Iowa, company’s technology is easy to use and modular for scalability. It also includes an established dealer network and a skilled development team. 

Acquired by Raven in 2019, the Smart Ag AutoCart will now be called OMNiDRIVE. This kit transforms existing tractors into driverless machines. It allows the farmer to monitor and operate a driverless tractor from the cab of the combine so the combine can offload on-the-go, then return the tractor and grain cart at a predetermined unloading area.

As the designer and manufacturer of a unique U-shape diesel-powered autonomous platform that can handle myriad implements, DOT Technology Corporation has become a leader in autonomous solutions for agriculture. For several years, the Dot Power Platform has been outfitted with Raven technology including steering, guidance, and propulsion. In 2019, Raven purchased majority ownership of the company and enables Raven to leverage its strengths in steering, guidance, and machine control technology alongside Dot’s field path planning, user control experience, machine safety, and remote communication software. The Dot Power Platform has been renamed OMNiPOWER.

The self-propelled power platform easily interchanges with farm implements, which allows a farmer to perform multiple tasks throughout the entire growing season. Missions can be launched in autonomous mode or controlled directly from the tablet. No driver is necessary with either option. The platform currently has interchangeable implements for spreading and spraying. Additional implements will follow quickly and consistently as Raven works with its OEM partners.

“Empowering ‘all’ is exactly what OMNiPOWER and OMNiDRIVE bring to the agriculture industry. OMNi enables holistic, hands-free precision; it gives the farmer total control of his time and maximizes operational productivity and efficiency,” says Nick Langerock, director of strategic marketing for Raven. “As we bring OMNi to market, we want farmers to understand that some of their pain points are now more manageable through autonomous solutions. OMNi solutions allow the farmer to trust the routine tasks to automation and focus on the important farm functions.”

Safety First

Raven also wants to ensure customers that its autonomous line-up has gone through extensive validation to prove it operates safely around people, animals, and other equipment. With five cameras and several radars, the Raven Perception Optical Detection and Avoidance Systems observe, identify, and react to objects programmed into the safety ecosystem for safe operation. In addition, a light beacon offers a visual warning that OMNiDRIVE is about to move, and a horn sounds multiple times prior to movement.

Testing the Tech

Raven’s panel of OMNiDRIVE beta testers, which includes farms of all sizes and applications across various regions, have put the technology through its paces to prove it meets the demands of myriad conditions and crops. In addition, eight OMNiPOWER units have been operating successfully for the past 18 months.

“We understand the importance of quickly scaling and adopting new power platforms, farming applications, and implements into purpose-built autonomous agricultural machines,” says Dominic Walkes, director of strategic initiatives at Raven. “OMNiDRIVE is a significant growth platform, and we are actively working with OEM partners to release compatibility on additional tractors and implements. We are excited about the opportunities rolling out under the OMNi prefix as it ties our entire portfolio together and helps to provide the entire solution from top to bottom for the farmer.”

OMNiDRIVE is currently compatible with John Deere 8R (powershift and IVT) tractors (2010 and beyond). It will be available for the Magnum CVT M250/280/310/340/380 (model year 2014 to 2020) and New Holland CVT T8.320/350/380/410/435 (model year 2014 to 2020) in October 2021. The technology also works with any major OEM harvester.

As of May 12, OMNiDRIVE is available for order through Raven Autonomy’s network of 16 dealers. The company says more than three dozen pre-orders have already been received. Beginning June 1, OMNiPOWER will be available for order, with delivery in the fall of 2021. It will be sold directly through Raven. Contact your Raven dealer, to learn more.