John Deere has recently acquired GUSS Automation, the experts behind the innovative robotic sprayers that have been making waves in the agricultural industry. This acquisition marks the official union of the two companies, who have been working together in a joint venture for years.
The latest advancement from GUSS is the battery-powered autonomous sprayer, which was unveiled at the 2024 World Ag Expo show in California. This electric sprayer has been hailed as the world’s first fully electric autonomous herbicide orchard sprayer, showcasing the cutting-edge technology that GUSS brings to the table.
With the increasing demand for affordable food and produce, coupled with a national labor shortage exacerbated by immigration policies, the need for automated ag equipment has never been greater. GUSS and John Deere have been investing heavily in addressing the challenges around labor availability, input costs, and crop protection, making this acquisition a strategic move for both companies.
The GUSS electric sprayers are powered by a Kreisel Battery Pack 63, providing a nominal energy capacity of 63 kWh and enabling the machine to operate for 10-12 continuous hours between charges. The Smart Apply weed detection system is another key feature of the GUSS sprayers, which significantly reduces the amount of chemicals sprayed onto crops by targeting only areas where weeds are detected.
John Deere’s acquisition of GUSS will not only support the expansion of the autonomous sprayers globally but also accelerate the innovation and integration of Smart Apply with other precision agriculture technologies. The GUSS brand will continue to be sold and serviced exclusively through John Deere dealers, ensuring a seamless transition for customers.
More than 250 GUSS machines have already been deployed worldwide, spraying over 2.6 million acres and operating autonomously for over 500,000 hours. This acquisition paves the way for even greater advancements in autonomous agriculture technology, with the combined expertise of GUSS and John Deere driving innovation in the industry.
In conclusion, the acquisition of GUSS by John Deere represents a significant step forward in the development of autonomous agricultural equipment. With a focus on efficiency, sustainability, and productivity, this partnership is poised to make a lasting impact on the future of farming.
