SEOUL — Daedong (Co-CEOs Kim Joon-shik and Won Yu-hyun) announced on April 9th the official launch of South Korea’s first AI tractor, powered by vision-based autonomous technology. This landmark release signals a shift from traditional machinery to "Agricultural Field Robots" capable of independent perception and decision-making.
On-Device AI: Intelligence Beyond Connectivity
The core of Daedong’s AI tractor lies in its on-device vision AI. Unlike systems dependent on unstable cloud connections, this tractor processes environmental data locally. This allows for real-time path generation, obstacle avoidance, and precise control even in remote areas with poor telecommunications.
Key features include:
-One-Touch Operation: Through a dedicated app, users can initiate task recognition and path execution with a single touch.
-Remote Management: A single operator can manage multiple units simultaneously, drastically increasing efficiency for large-scale farming corporations.
-MLOps Integration: Utilizing Machine Learning Operations, the tractor continuously learns from path and obstacle data. The more it is used, the higher its operational accuracy becomes.
Solving the Rural Labor Crisis
The AI tractor is a strategic response to the aging population and labor shortages in rural areas. By delegating high-load, repetitive tasks to the robot, human workers can transition into supervisors. This shift not only reduces physical fatigue and accident risks but also allows farmers to multitask—preparing fertilizers or managing irrigation while the tractor operates autonomously.
Global Expansion and Legal Framework
Daedong aims to introduce this "Field Robot" to the global market, targeting a North American launch in 2027, followed by Europe. To support this innovation, the South Korean National Assembly is currently discussing amendments to the Agricultural Mechanization Promotion Act to officially define and support "Intelligent Agricultural Robots."
"This is not just a tractor without a driver; it is an autonomous robot that performs tasks on its own," said Na Young-jung, Vice President of Daedong Group. "We will continue to lead the future of autonomous farming by expanding AI and robot-based solutions that create real value in the field."
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