EIMA, the International Agricultural and Gardening Machinery Exhibition, is one of the most prominent events in the industry, held every two years in Bologna, Italy. At this year’s edition FieldBee, in collaboration with Kiwitron and Carraro Aftermarket, is introducing a groundbreaking camera-based navigation system specifically designed for vineyard and orchard management. This product is engineered to enable tractors to navigate accurately by visual guidance alone, addressing the unique challenges specialty crop farmers face with an emphasis on precision, affordability, and usability.

A Game-Changing Solution for Vineyard and Orchard Management

This camera-only navigation system offers a revolutionary solution for vineyards and orchards, where narrow rows often make navigation difficult. Vineyards, particularly popular and productive in Italy, require specialised tools to maximise efficiency in tight spaces.

"The breakthrough here is how it allows for camera-only navigation in a complex setting. For vineyards and orchards, this visual guidance system will be a game-changer."

Oleksii Bohatyrov

CTO, FieldBee

The features of the new system include the following:

• Automatic steering enhanced by AI optical sensors to compensate for possible RTK loss. 

• AI optical sensors that identify field boundaries in headland areas and curved paths for more precise navigation. 

• Also, AI optical sensors detect people, animals, or other obstacles along the route, alerting the driver to help avoid accidents.

The infrastructure of the new product is as follows: a camera installed on the bonnet of the tractor controls and guides the autosteering system. At a later stage, implement control via ISOBUS will also be possible.

At EIMA, FieldBee will showcase the first stage of this innovative product. Future stages will integrate advanced capabilities, including connectivity to sprayers, autonomous scouting, and even “see & spray” functionalities, further supporting farmers in streamlining operations and managing crops with enhanced precision. The system will be able to identify missed spots and manage the necessary interventions during farming, as well as detect and map diseases while automatically following the established paths.

Enhancing Capabilities with Kiwitron and Carraro

Kiwitron, a specialist in safety and sensor fusion technology, adds its expertise to enhance the system’s capabilities.

"We wanted to push a product that’s already recognized for safety in industrial applications into the agricultural sector. By integrating automated driving and sensor fusion, Kiwitron’s contributions make this solution especially valuable for vineyards and orchards. By incorporating automation, we are advancing the agricultural market and setting a new benchmark, thanks to our collaboration with Carraro and FieldBee."

Alberto Bertaglia

Business Development Manager, Kiwitron

For Carraro, this partnership aligns with its “Beyond Carraro” initiative, which anticipates future needs in agriculture by addressing farmer priorities.

“Farmers’ comfort and safety are essential, and efficiency is a given. This combination brings productivity, and that leads to more and better food for all of us. With a strong emphasis on affordability and ease of use, Carraro’s goal is to make this advanced guidance system a go-to tool for farmers from the outset. “While the market offers plenty of solutions, we intend to stand out by delivering an affordable, easy-to-use option that gives farmers immediate results.”

Stefano Image

Director, Carraro After Sales & Spare Parts

As FieldBee, Kiwitron, and Carraro Aftermarket join forces, their collaboration at EIMA marks the first phase in a product roadmap designed to bring increased automation, efficiency, and usability to vineyard and orchard farmers. This ambitious vision promises lasting benefits for Italy's vibrant agricultural sector and beyond.