John Deere Electronics is making its advanced Vision Processing Unit (VPU) available to European machine builders and OEMs.
Companies can now integrate sophisticated, field-tested vision-based autonomy hardware into next-generation mobile machinery for precise, real-time decision-making in the field. From construction, mining, robotics and material handling to on-highway and specialty vehicles, forestry and industrial applications, the flexibility of the VPU enables OEMs to tailor solutions to their specific use cases.
Computer vision and machine learning (CVML) needs high-compute solutions to analyse surroundings and respond quickly. The John Deere VPU enables equipment to respond instantly, without relying on cloud-based processing.
Developed to meet the demands of real-world outdoor applications, the robust VPU evolved from John Deere’s work in the agricultural space and is designed specifically for use in harsh and demanding environments.
Previously exclusive to John Deere’s See & Spray technology, it has accumulated many hours of real-world testing in the field and is now available to OEMs for use in a range of on and off-highway mobile machinery applications.
Rugged vision-based autonomy hardware
The John Deere VPU platform is ideal for autonomous navigation, situational awareness, and obstacle avoidance, delivering safety, efficiency and productivity in the field. Its high GPU- and high CPU-capable architecture handles multiple high-resolution camera inputs simultaneously, consolidating large volumes of visual data on machine in real-time. Interfacing through standard protocols, including CAN and Ethernet, it enables advanced algorithms and machine learning models to assess conditions and trigger automated actions as equipment is in operation. John Deere Electronics has also developed its own gigabit Ethernet switch to provide fast and seamless switching between cameras.
Crucially, the VPU has been engineered specifically for harsh, outdoor environments, an area where many conventional vision computing systems fall short. With an IP67-rated enclosure, it is built to withstand extreme temperatures, vibration, and ingress from dust or moisture. John Deere has also developed an innovative air-cooled design for the unit that eliminates the need for liquid cooling or internal fans to reduce cost, complexity and maintenance.
See and spray camera
Robust reliability and performance
The VPU’s powerful 1 TB solid state NVMe drive and Nvidia core processor provide real-time image and video processing. It is equipped with Linux OS, 12 camera connections with power over coax (PoC), 4 CAN ports, 2 digital inputs, and 3 digital outputs.
OEMs are able to select the right balance of compute power and cost. The VPU is available in multiple configurations, ranging from high-performance systems capable of processing and switching quickly between multiple cameras, to more compact versions suited to simpler applications.
Kerry Koisti, who works in Business Development at John Deere Electronics, says, “The VPU is really rugged and has been developed to solve a real-world challenge. The flexibility of the system is pretty incredible in terms of types of problems it can solve and it builds on decades of knowledge and experience in outdoor mobile machinery. We believe lots of European companies could benefit from this technology. The VPU enables real-time decision-making in the field and we provide expert guidance to ensure smooth integration with their systems.”
Visit: https://www.deere.com/en-us/industries/electronics/autonomy
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