John Deere tests AI chatbot that uses farmers’ own data for advice
John Deere is testing a new AI assistant called JD that uses farmers' field, machine and operational data to answer questions about equipment, fuel use and harvest timing, with plans to expand beyond agriculture.
According to The Verge, the assistant is part of the John Deere Operations Center and is currently available to select U.S. customers. The company says it plans to expand access to the web and mobile, and eventually integrate it into the displays on tractors and other farm equipment.
The AI chatbot is designed to answer questions about best practices and historical trends based on the farmer's data, with the aim of helping them improve profitability. The company did not disclose which underlying AI technology powers the platform.
The rollout comes against a backdrop of long-running disputes over the right to repair. The Verge notes that as John Deere begins testing the bot, it has highlighted its ten-point Farmer Data Commitment, which states that the company does not sell farmers' data, lets farmers control third-party sharing, and pledges not to use the data for commodity trading or speculation.
Beyond agriculture, John Deere plans to expand the assistant with features tailored to customers in turf, construction, roadbuilding and forestry.