Lemken Smart implements to drive the next phase of autonomous farming
The Smart Implement system was presented at the SIMA trade fair in Paris.
GERMANY – Lemken is taking a major step toward smarter, independent farming with its new Smart Implement range.
The development, led by the intelligent Karat cultivator, signals how automation and precision are now working hand in hand to improve field operations.
The new Karat cultivator is built to work seamlessly with autonomous tractors and field robots, including Lemken’s own VTE 3.0 model. It operates independently, monitors its performance, detects irregularities, and adjusts on its own.
“Our goal is to make field operations more accurate and less dependent on constant supervision,” a Lemken engineer said during the launch.
The Smart Implement system was presented at the SIMA trade fair in Paris. It was developed in partnership with the Dutch software company Track32, in which Lemken holds a minority stake.
Together, they have built an AI-based system that tracks tine wear, identifies blockages, and detects soil or crop build-up. These real-time adjustments ensure steady and efficient performance throughout the farming process.
Modules that improve efficiency
The system includes three key modules: iQblue flow control, iQblue slippage control, and iQblue tool monitoring. The iQblue flow control prevents clogging, while the slippage control uses sensors to measure roller speed for better precision. The tool monitoring module relies on stereo cameras to check tine condition and alignment automatically.
“The idea is to give machines a form of awareness, so they can make smart corrections during work,” added a Track32 representative.
These modules can also be fitted to older machines, making the technology accessible to more farmers. Lemken plans to introduce the Karat 10/400 Smart Implement at Agritechnica 2025 in Hanover, where it will highlight how sensors and cameras are shaping modern agriculture.
Other companies are following similar paths. Amazone, for example, has begun testing its AutoTill-equipped Cenio cultivators in European trials. This growing focus on automation shows that the agricultural sector is steadily moving toward machines that think and act for themselves.
By combining artificial intelligence with field machinery, Lemken’s Smart Implement range could change how autonomous systems work in farming. It aims to increase precision, lower fuel use, and cut down on labour needs. “This is about improving productivity while keeping sustainability at the centre of everything we design,” Lemken’s spokesperson concluded.
The company’s latest innovation builds on its long history of advancing farm equipment. As autonomous tractors and robotic systems become more common, the Smart Implement range may soon set a new standard for how machines manage fields efficiently and responsibly.
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