){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
John Deere Electronics enables high-performance autonomy and advanced decision-making in the field to European OEMs with new Vision Processing Unit
SARAN, France, 27 July 2026 - John Deere Electronics is making its advanced Vision Processing Unit (VPU) available to European machine builders and OEMs. Companies can now integrate sophisticated, field-tested vision-based autonomy hardware into next-generation mobile machinery for precise, real-time decision-making in the field. Computer vision and machine learning (CVML) needs high-compute solutions to analyse surroundings and respond quickly. The John Deere VPU enables equipment to respond instantly, without relying on cloud-based processing.
Developed to meet the demands of real-world outdoor applications, the robust VPU evolved from John Deere’s work in the agricultural space and is designed specifically for use in harsh and demanding environments. Previously exclusive to John Deere’s See & Spray™ technology, it has accumulated many hours of real-world testing in the field and is now available to OEMs for use in a range of on and off-highway mobile machinery applications.
OEMs can integrate proven, rugged vision-based autonomy hardware into their own products
The John Deere VPU platform is ideal for autonomous navigation, situational awareness, and obstacle avoidance, delivering safety, efficiency and productivity in the field. Its high GPU- and high CPU-capable architecture handles multiple high-resolution camera inputs simultaneously, consolidating large volumes of visual data on machine in real-time. Interfacing through standard protocols, including CAN and Ethernet, it enables advanced algorithms and machine learning models to assess conditions and trigger automated actions as equipment is in operation. John Deere Electronics has also developed its own gigabit Ethernet switch to provide fast and seamless switching between cameras.
Crucially, the VPU has been engineered specifically for harsh, outdoor environments, an area where many conventional vision computing systems fall short. With an IP67-rated enclosure, it is built to withstand extreme temperatures, vibration, and ingress from dust or moisture. John Deere has also developed an innovative air-cooled design for the unit that eliminates the need for liquid cooling or internal fans to reduce cost, complexity and maintenance.
John Deere’s VPU delivers robust reliability and performance in the field
The VPU’s powerful 1 TB solid state NVMe drive and Nvidia core processor provide real-time image and video processing. It is equipped with Linux OS, 12 camera connections with power over coax (PoC), 4 CAN ports, 2 digital inputs, and 3 digital outputs.
Originally developed for use in John Deere’s See & Spray™ technology to distinguish in real-time between crops and weeds during spraying, the system is a proven, scalable platform. It operates in conjunction with boom-mounted cameras and machine learning to enable precise, selective spraying, helping to reduce input costs and improve operational efficiency.
Flexibility of the VPU enables OEMs to integrate vision-based automation into their own products
John Deere Electronics is now making this technology available to European OEMs, providing a robust hardware platform that can be integrated into a wide range of automated and semi-autonomous machines. From construction, mining, robotics and material handling to on-highway and specialty vehicles, forestry and industrial applications, the flexibility of the VPU enables OEMs to tailor solutions to their specific use cases.
OEMs are able to select the right balance of compute power and cost. The VPU is available in multiple configurations, ranging from high-performance systems capable of processing and switching quickly between multiple cameras, to more compact versions suited to simpler applications.
Kerry Koisti, who works in Business Development at John Deere Electronics, says, “What we usually do at John Deere is look at the marketplace for solutions and if we don’t find one that works for what we want to do, our electronics unit designs and builds the product we need. Once it’s in production, we consider offering it to other OEMs as hardware, providing tried and tested technology with John Deere quality and robustness, and enabling innovation in new applications. As autonomy continues to evolve, on-board computing for real-time perception, navigation and decision-making is likely to play a much greater role.
“The VPU is really rugged and has been developed to solve a real-world challenge. The flexibility of the system is pretty incredible in terms of types of problems it can solve and it builds on decades of knowledge and experience in outdoor mobile machinery. We believe lots of European companies could benefit from this technology. The VPU enables real-time decision-making in the field and we provide expert guidance to ensure smooth integration with their systems.”
Contact electronics@johndeere.com to learn more about the John Deere VPU or visit: https://www.deere.com/en-us/industries/electronics/autonomy
About Deere & Company
It doesn't matter if you've never driven a tractor, mowed a lawn, or operated a dozer. With John Deere's role in helping produce food, fiber, fuel, and infrastructure, we work for every single person on the planet. It all started nearly 200 years ago with a steel plow. Today, John Deere drives innovation in agriculture, construction, forestry, turf, power systems, and provides standard electronics to other equipment manufacturers worldwide.
For more information on Deere & Company, visit us at www.deere.com/en/news/