Ludhiana : Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has taken a decisive step towards intelligent agriculture with the launch of AI-powered machines aimed at reducing labour dependence, increasing field efficiency and conserving vital resources.
Leading this effort is the PAU’s newly developed autonomous tractor equipped with a GNSS-based auto-steering system, followed by a remote-controlled two-wheel paddy transplanter, and ongoing trials of IoT-based precision irrigation systems in Sangrur.
The newly unveiled AI-powered auto-steering tractor is capable of navigating farms, executing field operations, and correcting alignment — all without human input. It is a satellite-guided, computer-assisted tool designed to automate steering during tractor operations. By combining signals from multiple satellite constellations with sensors and a touchscreen control console, the system guides tractors along accurate, predefined paths.
Key components of the system include a GNSS receiver for accurate positioning, a wheel angle sensor to track steering movement and a motorised steering unit. The ISOBUS-compliant console allows for advanced features such as auto headland turns, skip-row functionality and custom turn patterns. The operator can switch between manual and automatic modes with a single button.
“Once a farmer keys in the field parameters, the system takes charge —steering, tilling, seeding — with minimal error. It reduces fatigue, wastage, and dependence on labour,” said PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Satbir Singh Gosal.
Trials by the PAU’s College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology show a 40% reduction in labour requirements, an 85% drop in operator fatigue and up to 12% boost in field capacity. “This is the kind of shift our rural workforce deserves. Less physical strain, more precision and far fewer chances of wasted inputs. This system is developed by an American company and can be installed on new or old tractor at the cost of Rs 3.5 lakh,” said Dr Gosal.
“I’ve spent years trying to train labourers before sowing season,” said Gurpal Singh, a farmer from Samrala. “If this tech can do the job with such perfection, I’ll be free to manage timing, water and crop planning instead,” he said.
Jaswinder Kaur, another farmer from Payal, noted, “Labour costs are rising and good help is rare. With AI, I see a future where one person with the right tech can do work that used to take four. That changes everything.”
In tandem is the PAU’s remote-controlled two-wheel paddy transplanter, another breakthrough for farmers facing long hours under punishing sun. “This machine can be operated from shaded areas, sparing farmers from direct heat and humidity,” said Dr Manjeet Singh, Dean, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology. The result? Up to 12% more field capacity, less physical toll and a 40% drop in labour demand —almost mirroring the AI tractor’s performance.
The PAU’s innovation wave doesn’t stop here, with the Centre for Water Technology and Management in the process of developing IoT-based irrigation systems that monitor soil moisture, water levels and weather in real time. These systems automated irrigation scheduling for crops like rice, wheat, maize and summer moong. Trials in Sangrur have shown improvements in water use efficiency, reduced greenhouse emissions and lower energy and labour input.
Dr Gosal pointed out that digital tools like auto-steering not only improve productivity but also lighten the physical burden on farmers. “Machines can do more,” said Gosal. “But with intelligence, they can also do it better.”
The Tribune