Lidar lets Vermeer automate baling processes

Vermeer Corp. is expanding the off-highway industry's push to remove drivers, bringing autonomous operations to the arduous task of retrieving baled hay with a concept vehicle that carries up to three bales. The Pella, Iowa-based manufacturer is further increasing its digital footprint with three more products: a baling system that automates driving, a predictive maintenance sensor for bearings and an app that simplifies billing for agricultural service providers.

The new products and concepts come from Vermeer's Forage Innovations Group, which explores next-generation technologies. Lidar is a mainstay in the two autonomous baling systems, guiding vehicles through fields to complete different tasks related to hay production.