Winners of 2025

ZF Group

ZF eTD

Hall 15 | Stand C06

Subject area 07 | Drivetrain technologies

In current electric tractors, the combustion engine has generally been replaced by an electric motor with a reduction gear, without affecting the familiar and proven hydrostatic power-split CVT drivetrain.

The electric TerraDrive (eTD) from ZF Friedrichshafen takes a different, completely new approach: The modular, highly integrated electric axle system combines traction, PTO, and hydraulics in a compact design for tractors up to 100 kW. This not only enables emission-free operation without any loss of power, but also means that central transmissions, hydrostatic units, clutches, and hydraulic systems can be partially eliminated or replaced by a dual electric powertrain with energy recovery and an optimized design for maximum efficiency and flexibility during installation. At the heart of the eTD is a highly integrated electric drive unit with two oil-cooled electric motors – one for the drive, the other for auxiliary drives. The change in the basic design concept creates space for batteries or hydrogen tanks, which can significantly increase range and operating time. The S&C Trophy commission points out that this not only applies to classic tractor applications, but above all can also be transferred to other machines.

The eTD thus represents a scalable, future-proof solution for emission-free agriculture without compromising on performance or functionality.

Mach, Inc.

RadX

Hall 17 | Stand C05

Subject area 06 | Vehicle Electronics

As technology advances, more and more sensors are being used in agricultural machinery and tractors to improve their control. The raw data from these sensors usually is processed centrally, which places high demands on computing power and data analysis. OEMs repeatedly struggle with difficulties in evaluating sensor data and programming efficient evaluation algorithms.

Mach's RadX radar device is the first system of its kind to not only bring true phased array technology to agriculture, construction, mining, and land management, but also to process the captured signals internally and make them available in the OEM's system architecture. The system uses electronically controlled beams and adaptive beamforming for high-resolution 3D detection in real time, eliminating the need for moving parts.

RadX is able to distinguish between soil, crop residues, and vegetation while simultaneously mapping the terrain surface, making the sensor particularly interesting for use in depth control of tillage, planting, and seed drills, as well as in terrain guidance for combine harvester headers. An evaluation of the quality of work behind the machine is also conceivable.

Mach's RadX system thus represents an important innovation for the future of 3D image-based environment detection and control of mobile machines in agriculture.

igus GmbH

ReBeL Cobot

Hall 16 | Stand E11

Subject area 06 | Vehicle Electronics

High-precision and repetitive tasks such as weeding or harvesting of fruit are often physically demanding and are still frequently carried out manually, requiring a large workforce.

With the ReBeL Cobot, igus has now introduced an articulated arm robot weighing only 8 kg, which, thanks to its particularly simple operation and low price, makes entry into automation in agriculture easier and more accessible than ever before. Equipped with sensors and grippers, it is ideal for tasks such as fruit harvesting, sowing, or indoor farming. Depending on the application, the robot arm can be equipped with various sensors such as cameras or work tools. In addition, it offers simple, user-friendly, and practical programming options. Using a free, license-free software test environment, users can test any kinematics and thus find out before purchasing whether the planned application can be realized with the ReBeL.

Mounted on a suitable autonomous chassis, the igus ReBeL Cobot can, for example, reduce the use of labor during harvesting and at the same time enable a higher number of harvest passes, which leads to greater efficiency and less strain on harvesting personnel.