John Deere Electronics is expanding its influence beyond farming by opening up its Vision Processing Unit (VPU)—the engine behind the company’s See & Spray™ technology—for use by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) across industries.
From the Field to the Factory: Vision Tech with Broad Utility
Previously used exclusively in John Deere precision ag equipment, the VPU is now being offered as a standalone, ruggedized processing module. Designed for Computer Vision and Machine Learning (CVML) applications, the VPU gives OEMs a way to integrate intelligent automation into machines used in agriculture, construction, forestry, logistics, and more.
The hardware is built to endure demanding conditions. With an IP67 rating, the unit is dust-tight, waterproof, and operable in temperatures from –25°C to 50°C, all without relying on liquid cooling or internal fans. Instead, Deere engineers designed the unit with a compact air-cooled system, optimizing both reliability and durability.
Power to See—and Think
The VPU features 12 camera input ports, enabling real-time data collection and high-resolution visual analysis. Equipped with a high-performance CPU-GPU platform, it delivers top-tier performance for:
- Situational awareness: Providing live vision and obstacle detection.
- Autonomous control: Supporting self-driving systems and robotic functionality.
- AI inspection and monitoring: Enabling automated defect detection, machine learning–driven analytics, and other high-precision tasks.
"We're proud to offer OEMs a vision processing unit that truly stands apart. We've engineered this module to perform in the harshest environments, focusing on robust thermal and vibration performance. Unlike others on the market, we've achieved this without liquid cooling or internal fans, relying on innovative air cooling and a rugged IP67-rated design," said Nicholas Weisbeck, electronics systems module manager at John Deere. "The result is a highly reliable platform for cutting-edge CVML applications, enabling OEMs to bring advanced processing capabilities and greater autonomy to their customers while addressing the growing challenge of labor availability."
Built-In Intelligence for Easier Integration
Along with raw processing power, the VPU includes integrated diagnostics to streamline system troubleshooting and minimize downtime—key benefits for operations that demand both uptime and adaptability. To support successful implementation, John Deere Electronics is offering direct collaboration with OEMs, helping integrate the VPU into custom systems and workflows.
Why This Matters for Ag and Other Industries
As farms, mines, and factories confront rising input costs and persistent labour shortages, rugged machine vision and automation solutions like Deere’s VPU can help reduce costs, boost efficiency, and unlock new applications—from smarter sprayers to autonomous haulers.
By taking a proven ag-tech innovation and opening it to OEMs across sectors, John Deere is signaling its readiness to be a hardware partner in the future of automation.
About John Deere Electronics
Part of Deere & Company, John Deere Electronics designs and manufactures rugged computing, vision, and connectivity systems for extreme operational environments. With decades of experience supporting agriculture, construction, forestry, and defense, its solutions are built for performance where it counts most.
For more information, visit www.deere.com/en/news.