DLG.Prototype.Club
Challenge @ AGRITECHNICA 2025
The DLG.Prototype.Club Challenge brings together start-ups, development teams and agricultural machinery manufacturers to develop new prototypes for the agriculture of tomorrow in the shortest possible time.
Challenge partner: PTx
In close cooperation with PTx – the new innovation engine of AGCO and Trimble – Challenge 2025 is all about autonomy, precision farming, digital connectivity and sustainability.
PTx is a joint venture between AGCO and Trimble, founded in April 2024 through the merger of Trimble's precision farming business with AGCO's JCA Technologies. The company offers brand-independent and intuitive solutions for precision farming.
With a focus on autonomy, precision spraying, connected farming, data management and sustainability, PTx is setting new standards for openness, efficiency and innovation in digital farming.
The Challenge
Customized 3D-based path planning for agricultural machinery
Background
Modern agricultural machinery operates on increasingly complex terrain, yet most path-planning systems are still based on 2D maps. By integrating a third dimension, entirely new optimization opportunities arise. For example, fuel consumption, working time, machine stability, erosion, etc. can be optimized during path planning.
Challenge
Design an algorithm that determines the optimal path planning of the entire field through a terrain (considering e.g. fuel consumption). The following setup and information should be considered:
- height profile of terrain
- fuel consumption per load
- machine dimensions
- weight development over time
The solution should include a visualization of the computed paths and key metrics (e.g., fuel consumption, working time, total distance) and demonstrate in a live setup that it also works with new field data or different machine configurations.
Award
The top solution can expect a follow-up contract.
Phase 1: Define challenge and team
Step 1
Selected partners address their digitalisation challenges in the form of a challenge.
Step 2
DLG.Prototype.Club identifies interdisciplinary teams and start-ups for participation in the competition.
Phase 2: Develop and present prototype (period of 14 days)
Step 3
Kick-off: The qualified teams receive their challenge and their access to the virtual working platform approx. 2 weeks before the fair.
Step 4
Processing time: Until the trade fair, the teams develop their functional prototypes in virtual space.
Step 5
Pitch: At the fair, the teams present their solution to a jury made up of your company (client) and other experts. At the same time, the teams develop business plans.
Step 6
Selection and award ceremony of the best teams at the trade fair. The further development of the product together with the industry partners can begin.
Partners
Contact
Christopher Armstrong
+49 69 24788-455 • c.armstrong@dlg.org