Remote Monitoring to Help Keep Farm Machinery in Working Order
Researchers at Vavilov Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering have developed Agrotrek, a platform for remotely monitoring agricultural machinery while it is in operation.
One challenge crop producers confront is that engineers cannot assess machinery condition in real time during planting and harvesting, when equipment is under the greatest strain. This makes it difficult to analyze operating and maintenance costs, estimate the remaining service life of machines, and determine whether they can keep running without breakdowns during the most critical periods of the growing season.
Agrotrek Brings Equipment Data Together
Developers at the Institute of Engineering and Robotics at Vavilov Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering have created Agrotrek, a digital platform for collecting, analyzing and visualizing telematics data from agricultural machinery of any type. Traditionally, farms track field vehicles, agricultural drones and irrigation systems separately, while maintenance records are kept on paper and are therefore unavailable to engineers working in the field. Agrotrek brings together information generated during operation, including machinery location, operating modes and the current condition of the farm's fleet of tractors and other equipment.
The platform gives farm managers and technical staff a real-time view on an interactive map of where and how their tractors, combine harvesters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), loaders and center-pivot irrigation systems are being used. Agrotrek also analyzes travel routes and distances, speed, engine hours, fuel consumption, and engine start-stop cycles.
The system also helps prevent employees from using machinery for unauthorized purposes or stealing from their employers. It records any deviation from planned operations, including equipment leaving an assigned geofence, speeding, route changes and unauthorized fuel drainage.
Augmented Reality for Field Engineers
Farm technicians can now access up-to-date information on the actual condition of every piece of equipment at any time. The platform maintains a digital maintenance log containing approved work procedures. These procedures are mandatory: employees must confirm each operation after completing it.
The system also gives farm engineers access to an augmented reality (AR) module. Wearing AR glasses, a technician can view step-by-step work instructions and reference materials. During repairs, the technician does not have to look away to consult paper documents or a mobile device, leaving both hands free to work with tools. Mechanics can also connect by video with a remote consultant. The camera mounted on the glasses shows the expert exactly what the person carrying out the repair sees. In effect, the two work together as a team.
Every stage of the work is recorded, with completion markers and notes indicating whether additional repairs may be needed. The system automatically takes photographs of the components being serviced and attaches them to the maintenance report. This reduces the need to send service crews out to remote fields.
Agrotrek is based on Russian-developed technology and does not depend on foreign cloud platforms operated by agricultural machinery manufacturers. Its architecture is compatible with any standard onboard GLONASS/GPS terminal. Because communications in the field can be unreliable, the system requires confirmation that data has been delivered. If an Internet connection is unavailable, information is stored in the terminal's internal memory and transmitted once the network is restored.
The new system also allows farms to organize equipment maintenance across multiple levels without changing software settings. It can monitor individual machines as well as entire large-scale farming operations or dealer networks.
Monitoring and Managing Farm Equipment in Real Time
Several Russian companies are developing remote machinery monitoring and control systems. For example, engineers at the Krasnokamsk Repair and Mechanical Plant have created an IT solution that allows farmers to repair equipment under the direct supervision of the original manufacturer's experts. AgroSignal also offers a platform for remotely monitoring fleets of tractors and other agricultural machinery.
Digital technologies are fundamentally changing how agricultural equipment manufacturers interact with their customers. Companies are now selling not just machinery, but also digital support throughout its entire operating life.
The Vavilov University researchers' platform could help crop producers address the challenge of managing mixed fleets of agricultural machinery in real time. Most farms today use equipment from different manufacturers and across several generations. A single digital monitoring platform can replace multiple software systems and bring fleet management together in one place. This is particularly useful for large farming operations with production sites spread across different locations.
The system could also benefit Russia's Gostekhnadzor (State Technical Supervision Authority). Inspectors could conduct mandatory remote technical inspections of self-propelled machinery using AR glasses and digital work procedures, then generate inspection reports automatically. Once Agrotrek is connected to the Unified Digital Platform for the Agro-Industrial and Fisheries Complex, regulatory authorities will be able to monitor the technical condition of equipment fleets at farms across Russia remotely and in real time. Remote monitoring systems could also help Russian agricultural machinery manufacturers that export their equipment. They would make it easier for manufacturers to meet their warranty obligations accurately and consistently.
