At Agritechnica 2025, Krone and Lemken revealed the latest evolution of their joint Combined Powers project — a fully integrated system that merges autonomous traction and intelligent implements. The centerpiece, the VTE 3.0 (Vehicle-Tractor-Equipment) unit, combines power, artificial intelligence, and sensor-based control to handle soil cultivation and forage harvesting with minimal human input.
This third-generation prototype marks a milestone in the companies’ long-term vision for intelligent and sustainable mechanization. The VTE 3.0 is designed not just for automation, but for true autonomy, capable of analyzing field conditions, making operational decisions, and adapting in real time.
Precision Control Through Smart Implements and Sensor Fusion
The VTE 3.0 made its debut at the Krone booth (Hall 27) with two live demonstrations:
- Stubble cultivation with the Lemken Karat 10/400 Smart Implement, featuring Lemken’s iQblue systems for automated depth, draft, and flow control.
- Autonomous mowing with the Krone EasyCut F 400 Fold, equipped with sensors to monitor machine angle, ground pressure, and the status of its conditioner components.
These connected systems ensure smooth, uninterrupted operations while maintaining consistent work quality. Both implements can also operate in semi-automatic mode with traditional tractors, giving farmers flexibility as they transition toward full autonomy.
AI and Environmental Awareness Drive Smarter Decisions
The intelligence behind the VTE 3.0 comes from an array of laser scanners and advanced perception systems developed in collaboration with Osnabrück University and the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) under the AI-TEST-FIELD project.
Supported by the German Federal Ministry of Agriculture, this research platform provides real-world data to refine the algorithms that control autonomous machinery. The goal is to achieve reliable, repeatable results under diverse agronomic conditions — boosting safety, efficiency, and decision-making accuracy in precision farming.
Centralized Management via Smart HMI Interface
A redesigned Human-Machine Interface (HMI) now allows operators to plan, monitor, and control all Combined Powers activities from a desktop or mobile device. Krone and Lemken are also preparing smart implement compatibility for conventional tractors, allowing partially automated operations before full autonomy becomes mainstream.
Commercial rollout of the VTE 3.0 units is scheduled for 2028, with Krone handling vehicle assembly at its Spelle facility, while Lemken focuses on the production of autonomous implements.
Training and Safety for the Electrified Future
At Agritechnica’s Workshop Live, Krone also introduced a high-voltage training module and a demonstrator of the autonomous traction unit. The certified training center in Spelle, established in 2024, will play a crucial role in preparing technicians and operators for the safe handling of electrified agricultural machinery — an essential step toward large-scale deployment of autonomous systems.
About the Brands
Krone is a global leader in forage technology, specializing in mowers, tedders, and balers known for durability and innovation.
Lemken, a family-owned German manufacturer, is a pioneer in soil cultivation, seeding, and crop protection equipment. Together, these companies are shaping the next generation of autonomous and data-driven farming solutions.
