Autonomous Farming, Real Innovation: How AVL and ARTI Bring Driverless Tractors to Life

When a tractor drives out of the barn and starts working on the field without a driver, it sounds like a glimpse into the future. At AVL’s site in Steyr, this vision is already real. Together with the start-up ARTI and through the Creators Expedition, AVL developed a modular system that makes tractors fully autonomous, independent of brand or hardware.

The goal was to create a solution that is easy to integrate, safe and suited for real agricultural use. The system combines steering, braking, sensors, control units, user interfaces and communication into one intelligent platform. It can be added to existing tractors or built into new ones, allowing both manual and autonomous operation.

ARTI contributes the navigation software that determines the tractor’s position and path even when GPS is not available. Safety is at the heart of the design, supported by AVL’s expertise in automotive validation and system robustness.

After successful pilot runs on AVL’s 4,000 square meter test area in Steyr, the autonomous tractors are now operating under real conditions. Electric-powered and equipped with ploughs or mowers, they perform complex field tasks while interacting safely with people.

The first market launch is planned for 2026. With this innovation, AVL and ARTI are setting new standards for sustainable and intelligent agriculture. What began as a connection through the Creators Expedition has grown into a success story of true collaboration and shared vision.