Field robotics in collaboration: Field Swarm gains momentum 

Zeulenroda, 22.09.2025

 

The Field Swarm Ecosystem research project is developing a manufacturer-independent technology platform that enables multiple agricultural machines and robots to operate simultaneously in coordinated swarms—ranging from semi-autonomous to fully autonomous—while the operator retains full control and can intervene at any time. The aim is to increase productivity and resource efficiency, ease labor shortages, and ensure integration into existing agricultural IT systems. The project is funded under the RUBIN program of the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) and is driven by a consortium of industry and research partners.

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Since 2023, the alliance has been in the implementation and testing phase. Key highlights in 2025 included public demonstrations and expert workshops, among others in the context of the Öko-Feldtage at Wassergut Canitz. These events showcased swarm work planning, mission control, and remote monitoring in real-world conditions, while also providing valuable feedback from both research and practice for the next development steps.

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At the core of the project is an open, scalable control and data architecture based on scientific principles: from a cloud- and on-premise-capable web platform for mission and swarm planning, to standardized interfaces (ISOBUS/TIM), and safety and diagnostic systems for autonomous units. Cross-manufacturer compatibility—both for conventional tractors and field robots—is a key requirement, as it is essential for achieving agronomic and economic success for individual farmers.

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Technological progress is driven by coordinated contributions from the project partners. LACOS develops key components of the web platform as the central hub for planning, control, and monitoring of the swarm. Track guidance and mission planning have been expanded into heterogeneous swarm planning. The control module distributes tasks across machines, initiates operations, monitors process parameters, and allows real-time adjustments. Import/export functions and integrations—such as via agrirouter—connect common farm management information systems (FMIS) and manufacturers. In parallel, an “AutonomyKit” is being developed, running as an ECU on robots or tractor displays, retrieving missions from the cloud and controlling both the vehicle and implements via ISOBUS/TIM or proprietary protocols. These functions have been publicly demonstrated within the project and will continue to be refined until completion.

 

IndiKar is developing drone platforms for environmental perception and operational documentation. Programmed scenarios include meander-pattern flight for field mapping and documentation, following working units to assess results, and reconnaissance flights to specific coordinates in the event of obstacles or system errors. The next step is the integration of charging infrastructure.

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Hydrive provides a universal remote control station for field robots from different manufacturers and is developing a virtual test environment that enables faster and more realistic development and validation of autonomous control systems, including environmental perception. This accelerates development cycles and reduces field testing efforts.

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ESTINO contributes a robust gateway for capturing machine and process data, along with a high-performance, cyber-secure transmission system. Based on real operational data, critical load conditions are identified and translated into standardized load scenarios—forming the basis for predictive lifetime and durability analyses of failure-critical components.

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The Fraunhofer IWU is developing sensor-based soil cultivation tools that measure loads and wear on shares and disc harrows. A demonstrator featuring a “measurement sleeve” visualizes tensile and lateral forces in real time. Combined with additional sensors, this enables conclusions about process quality and tool condition—an essential building block for robust autonomy in variable field conditions.

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To ensure process reliability in implements, the Eidam Group, together with IWU and BITs electronics, is developing a sensor-based tool diagnostics system. A force-measuring clamp mounted on the tool shank records loads, while algorithms determine disturbance probabilities in real time. Speed analysis of rotating tools, pattern and vibration detection, and modular signal processing enable classification of typical disturbances—from blockages and wear to share loss. If required, the control system intervenes automatically in driving and hydraulic functions via ISOBUS-TIM. A first device with integrated diagnostics, to be officially presented at Agritechnica in Hanover (Hall 25, Stand B17), is currently under testing and is also designed as a retrofit solution.

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LEMKEN combines three sensor systems into the iQblue smart implement for cultivators: iQblue tool monitoring uses camera and AI to assess share condition at headlands; iQblue flow control monitors material flow in the tine field and detects accumulations early; and iQblue slippage control measures roller slip and dynamically adjusts driving speed via Tractor-Implement Management (TIM). These modules provide visual feedback via ISOBUS terminals or HMIs, enhancing efficiency, process stability, and safety—while also enabling automated and autonomous soil cultivation.

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From the consortium’s perspective, the greatest challenges lie in ensuring safe, standardized interoperability between heterogeneous machines, developing safety concepts for mixed operations (human/machine/robot), and achieving seamless integration into agricultural data ecosystems and FMIS landscapes. The Field Swarm Ecosystem addresses these challenges through open interfaces, scalable cloud services, and user-centered HMI concepts—with the goal of making autonomous swarms economically viable, safe, and practical.

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The consortium intends to continue operating and developing the ecosystem beyond the completion of the research project. Manufacturers of robots, implements, and process modules are invited to join and expand the Field Swarm Ecosystem.

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Further information about the Field Swarm Ecosystem project and its partners can be found at: www.feldschwarm.de