One example of how farmers are using technology to create farms of the future is survey drones equipped with a multispectral imaging system, which enables them to record video in both the near-infrared and visible spectrums. In this instance, the drone offers a bird's-eye view to identify concerns such as irrigation difficulties, soil variations, and even insect and fungus infestations that are difficult to see from the ground.
On farms throughout the world, what may have once been an odd sight is becoming frequent. Due to this paradigm change, farms will increasingly rely on tools like GPS-mounted cab units, drones and field sensors, over the next few years.
With this change, farmers must update some of their electrical equipment. One component
that’s easy to overlook is the humble connector. Connectors are already used widely across the agricultural sector and are responsible for delivering power, connecting cameras to screens in the tractor cab, and allowing operators to send control signals to harvesting attachments.
While agricultural equipment connectors are currently made to withstand a range of extreme environments, it is also critical that customisation options are available for specific applications.
Assessing connector requirements
Stainless steel connectors are great for harsh environments, but the heavy weight is not ideal for drone applications. Like metal, plastic can become brittle with prolonged outside exposure and heat from the sun.
However, plastic or composite connectors offer a low-weight and sturdy connection that is intrinsically resistant to corrosion and
chemicals. In some situations, a balance can be found by using an aluminium connector with electroless nickel plating, which results in a metalised connector that is light in weight and long-lasting.
Given the increasing intricacy that Agriculture 4.0 demands, farmers need to consider their capacity to transmit power and high-speed data efficiently. This might mean using high-capacity fibre-optic cables capable of gathering and processing information from various sensors, alongside wireless control signals originating from a remote operator.
Farmers must make the right connector selections for their smart farms in the upcoming years, for everything from lighting and power systems to steering and motion, through to monitoring and control, data signals, and engine and cabin interfaces.
These connectors will, at their most basic
level, be versions of the popular cylindrical style M12 ethernet connectors. M12 connectors are favoured for their robust construction, as well as their bayonet, push-fit and rapid-release designs. These make it simpler to unmate while wearing gloves and in cold weather. When switching over equipment, operators can save time by using a quick push-pull design, rather than taking the time to unthread a connector.
These push-pull connectors have become increasingly popular across industry over the last decade for their ease of use and we may see them become standardised in many agricultural applications in the future.
The ISOBUS platform, which enables farmers to use various pieces of equipment from different manufacturers with the same tractor and towing trucks, is used by
connectors at the more advanced end of the spectrum. As a result, compatibility is increased.
PEI-Genesis can assist customers in building a fully modular connector assembly, enabling farmers to incorporate various connector types into a single place. This enables companies to use connectors that are suitable for today's requirements, while changing the inserts when it's time to improve the cable or contact layout. As a result, farmers can modify systems without having to pay extra for testing, designing, reengineering, or manufacturing.
Farmers will need to make sure connections, among other pieces of equipment, don't end up being an expensive barrier in the smooth implementation of Agriculture 4.0. This linked future will quickly become a reality if you start thinking about your connectors today.
To see which connectors can help your business become Agriculture 4.0-ready, visit www.peigenesis.com.