The Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation (AEF), a global nonprofit organization founded to improve cross-manufacturer compatibility in agricultural equipment, recently hosted its first Information Day in Tokyo for the Japanese agricultural market. Organized through the Japan Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Association (JAMMA), dozens of heavy ag equipment manufacturers were educated on ISOBUS and important equipment interoperability topics.
According to a press release:
“Through the helpful assistance of JAMMA, the AEF successfully initiated an important channel of communication with Asian equipment manufacturers,” said Norbert Schlingmann, general manager, AEF. “It was a great opportunity to come together to build awareness globally, and to foster an atmosphere of open communication.”
“As agricultural machinery becomes more sophisticated, it is becoming increasingly important to standardize control communications that transcend the barriers between manufacturers when connecting tractors, implements and other devices,” said Kota Motobayashi, head of the International Standardization Office, National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO). “We believe that the widespread use of ISOBUS will be essential for the evolution of precision agriculture around the world.”
ISO TC23 SC19 Agricultural Electronics, a committee of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), held its common meetings in Tokyo for members of the agricultural industry together with ISO TC127 JWG16 where agriculture, construction, earth moving equipment, forestry, and mining industries working together on new high-speed connection standards. Schlingmann and AEF Chairman of the Board Andrew Olliver parlayed off of the ISO organization’s invitiation to co-locate the AEF Information Day event alongside the ISO meetings.
Attendees received a high-level introduction to the AEF and its working groups, the Agricultural Interoperability Network (AgIN), Wireless Infield Communication (WIC), Autonomy in Ag (AUT) and more. AEF team leaders who are working on future standards, ISOBUS technologies, and the AEF conformance testing shared strategic information on interoperability aspects within the ag equipment industry.
“There were great questions about ISOBUS, cloud computing, wireless communication and digital cameras,” said Schlingmann. “We succeeded in making a connection, and opening the door to welcome companies in Asia to join us in the future.”
“Thanks to the support from JAMMA as well as sponsorship from AEF member companies Kubota and Topcon, the AEF’s Information Day was indeed a success,” said Olliver. “With over 100 attendees, it was rewarding to see the amount of interest in ISOBUS and its benefits to the agriculture community, and to be able to spread the message that the AEF’s activities are global and not limited to any one region of the world.”
“On behalf of Japanese member manufacturers and participants, we would like to sincerely express our thanks to all the lecturers, managers and organizing committee of the AEF,” said Toru Matsuyama, secretary general, JAMMA. “The information day was well attended, indicating the high level of interest in Japan. We are very pleased to have had the chance to hold this event together, and look forward to future collaboration.”
