Autonomous field technology reached a historic milestone in North Yorkshire as the AgXeed AgBot5.115T2, a rubber-tracked diesel-electric autonomous tractor, teamed with a Kverneland LO 300/85 five-furrow plough to achieve a new world record in driverless ploughing.

Working nonstop for 24 hours, the AgBot ploughed 20.8 hectares-a task that would typically require two days with an operator. It maintained a consistent furrow depth of 22.5 cm, a working width of 40 cm, and operated at speeds between 5.6 and 8 km/h, stopping only briefly to refuel.

The effort consumed just 382.72 liters of diesel, averaging 18.4 liters per hectare-an efficiency comparable to, or better than, traditional manned tractors. Its diesel-electric drivetrain played a key role in delivering both power and fuel savings.

Peter Robinson, UK Sales Manager for AgXeed, emphasized the significance of autonomous field mapping and automated headland turning, which enabled the machine to operate flawlessly throughout the 24-hour cycle. "This proves autonomy isn't just for simple tasks," he said. "It can handle complex, high-draft field operations too."

Adam Burt, representing Kverneland, pointed out that the low-draft design of the plough helped minimize fuel usage while ensuring an even, high-quality till-making it ideal for autonomous integration.

The run also included built-in multi-layered safety systems, a 1.5-tonne front weight to improve traction, and oversight by former ploughing champion James Whitty, who certified the result.

This world-first demonstrates that fully autonomous tractors can go far beyond seeding or spraying. With proven capabilities in **tillage-a traditionally labor- and power-intensive task-**AgXeed and Kverneland are pushing the limits of sustainable, efficient, and autonomous farming.