John Deere Partners With Innovator of Semi-Autonomous Sprayers

Next Generation of Orchard Sprayers is Autonomous

GUSS Automation, which just signed a joint venture with John Deere, developed what was thought to be the world’s first autonomous orchard sprayer (pictured). Photo by David Eddy

Deere & Co. has formed a joint venture with GUSS Automation, a pioneer in semi-autonomous orchard and vineyard sprayers.

Many GUSS (Global Unmanned Spray System) sprayers can be remotely supervised by a single operator, allowing growers to spray orchards and vineyards more quickly and consistently, using fewer resources and reducing costs by eliminating operator error and downtime. The machines also control application rates and sprayer speeds across entire fields and in variable terrain with adjustable software parameters.

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Through the joint venture, Deere will help GUSS further collaborate with the Deere sales channel. GUSS will continue its innovation and product development to best serve customers, Chris Davison, the Director of Small Tractor and High-Value Crop (HVC) Production Systems with John Deere, said.

“Deere and GUSS are both committed to investing in innovation and technology to help farmers be more productive and profitable while growing more food using fewer resources,” Davison said.

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HVCs, such as orchards and vineyards, generate significantly higher value per acre than grains or oilseeds. The three primary high-value crop categories include bedded crops (vegetables and melons), vineyards (grapes and other berries), and orchard crops (almonds, citrus, olives, and apples, etc.).

“As demand for high-value crops grows, we see significant opportunities to help growers be more productive while addressing the challenges of increasing labor costs and finding skilled labor to operate equipment,” Davison says. “The GUSS team has a deep understanding of the high-value crop production system, as well as strong relationships with customers and a proven track record of deploying innovative technology.”

Founded in 2018, GUSS has approximately 35 full-time employees. Each employee will be retained, while the brand name and trademark will continue to operate from its current location in Kingsburg, CA. GUSS employees, customers, and business partners should notice little change in daily operations resulting from the joint venture, the company said.

Deere & Co. is a global leader in the delivery of agricultural, construction, and forestry equipment.

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