With more than 8 billion people on this planet, the global agricultural market is logically huge. By 2022, the agricultural market grew from Є11.50 billion to Є12.58 billion at a CAGR of 9.4%. It is currently expected to reach Є17.85 billion by 2027. These figures are the result of many factors, but one important one is the rise of intelligent agriculture. Intelligent agriculture is brought about by IoT connectivity and automation tools to collect and analyze real-time data and maximize efficiency. Agrifac, a Dutch manufacturer of sustainable innovative crop sprayers and beet harvesters, was looking for a partner who could provide them with an IoT solution for their self-propelled crop sprayers. Capestone, in partnership with Teltonika Networks, provided the solution to Agrifac.
Despite the growing demand for IoT connectivity for intelligent agriculture, there is still a major hurdle to overcome before implementation: distance. By 2020, 47.38 million square kilometers worldwide were used for agriculture. Most consist of vast, open fields where mobile farm equipment is in constant motion. Not exactly the best conditions for a reliable Internet connection. But without that remote connectivity, automation and real-time data are not possible.
Agrifac faced this problem when it developed its self-propelled crop sprayers. Agrifac is a Dutch manufacturer of sustainable innovative crop sprayers and beet harvesters, leading the way in smart and sustainable agricultural solutions based on the “4Es for growers” concept. To remotely monitor and manage the self-propelled crop sprayers, Agrifac sought a partner who could provide the IoT solution. An important aspect of connectivity was the device’s IP rating. For example, the router must be able to withstand a variety of terrains and weather conditions.
Capestone advised and supplied Agrifac with the solution with the Teltonika RUT955. In addition, Capestone also provided the Custom Config which included installing the correct firmware for Agrifac. The RUT955 router is connected via an Ethernet connection, providing connectivity for farm machinery. This creates a stable and secure mobile data communication bridge to Agrifac’s cloud server. On top of the LTE Cat 4 connectivity and Dual SIM capability for added reliability, this high-performance router has a few more features that come in handy in this use case.
First, the RUT955 has GNSS (global navigation satellite system) capabilities for location services and time synchronization. Second, the router is built into a sturdy aluminum housing with plastic panels. This guarantees that the router will not be damaged in any way by environmental or weather conditions that may occur during agricultural work.
Finally, and most importantly, the RUT955 brings additional control, security and reliability. Agrifac found much use in using the mobile module and FOTA updates. They also see potential in using MQTT broker and Teltonika Networks’ Remote Management System (RMS) for possible future upgrades to the solution.
Configuration by Capestone
Short time to market
Tailormade configuration
View productAre you curious about what Capestone can do for your business? Our sales department is happy to think with you! Contact sales@capestone.com or call 085 111 0838. Would you like more information about Agrifac? You can read more at the following website: www.agrifac.com
