With time being one of a farmer’s most precious yet limited currencies, technology which can implemented quickly and easily will help ensure the most is made from every minute.
Acknowledging there’s only so many hours in a day, is something which FieldBee has been working to address through its range of precision farming solutions. In fact, it only takes around 30 minutes to have the company’s autosteer product up and running.
However, this speed doesn’t come with a compromise in quality, says founder and CEO, Michael Utkin. “At the heart of our system is a user-friendly approach and our devices are manufactured in the EU, to help ensure quality and compliance.”
Product range
So what are FieldBee’s key products? The company has two main lines – PowerGuide and PowerSteer. PowerGuide is a manual steering system which aims to eliminate overlaps and missed spots, saving up to 10% of input and labour costs, adds Michael.
“Whereas PowerSteer is our autosteering system which can help to save up to 15% of those costs. Accuracy levels are as precise as just 2cm, which is achieved through an RTK signal and SIM card.
“Not only does this guarantee performance, but it’s all delivered at a competitive price point for the farmer,” he explains.
Both lines are based on FieldBee’s tractor GPS system which utilises smartphones, tablets, and an Internet of Things (IoT) architecture.
According to Michael, farmers sometimes question the price of GPS for tractors, even though the technology can significantly improve production efficiencies. “And investing in the technology pays off within a few years, providing cost-efficiency, heightened effectiveness, and more time and energy for the things that truly matter in your life,” he says.
Another concern can be data security. “This is a priority for FieldBee, with servers in Germany and remote update capabilities built into the app,” explains Michael.
Future aspirations
FieldBee was founded in 2014 and recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. From humble beginnings, by 2023, the firm had sold more than 1500 units of PowerSteer and expanded the team to 95 people across five countries.
As for the future, FieldBee plans to integrate its autopilot with ISOBUS to enhance compatibility and functionality. The company also hopes to expand its reach and recognition among growing markets.
“Our vision is to help every farmer to feed the world by facilitating the transition to more productive and sustainable arable farming,” concludes Michael.
Read more about FieldBee’s journey here.
