Control Devices From the Road to the Field

Related Vendors

dataTec AG

Taiwan Machine Tool & Accessory Builders' Association (TMBA)

Wuxi InfiMotion Technology Co., Ltd.

The requirements for control devices in agricultural machinery differ from those in the automotive industry. This affects the choice of materials and design. However, suppliers can leverage synergy effects.

In agriculture, extreme conditions prevail: dirt, dust, moisture, vibrations, and significant temperature fluctuations. The demand for robust agricultural machinery stands in stark contrast to the refined aesthetics and tactile precision often found in control devices in the automotive industry. Glossy surfaces and compact, sensitive actuations are desirable in certain automotive applications, whereas agricultural controls must be durable, provide a clear tactile feel, and offer well-defined actuation paths to ensure reliable performance under demanding conditions.

So, is it a contradiction if a supplier develops control elements for the automotive industry and HMI systems for commercial vehicles? Or can these areas learn from and benefit each other?

Platform Strategy

At first glance, the concept may seem contradictory given the highly specific customer requirements in various sectors. A development team cannot simply address the surface texture of automobiles with finely tuned torque settings while simultaneously meeting the extreme durability requirements of agricultural machinery. However, despite these differences, there are significant commonalities.

Haptic feedback and visual design remain crucial factors for a brand-consistent user experience—whether in passenger cars or commercial vehicles. Technologies that have been successfully deployed and validated in the automotive sector are specifically adapted to meet the operational requirements of commercial vehicles. Concepts tailored specifically for agriculture cannot simply be transferred from other areas; they require extensive in-house development.

Control Consoles in Agricultural Vehicles

Modern agricultural machinery features a wide range of functions that require a modern control architecture to be integrated ergonomically and intuitively. In close collaboration with agricultural machinery manufacturers, Preh has developed multifunctional control console systems based on a modular and flexible platform concept. A core element is the multifunction lever, whose button arrangement minimizes frequent reallocations during operation. Proportional valves for hydraulic control remain an important component of the design to ensure reliable and user-friendly handling.

In certain configurations, rotary knobs allow for multi-axis input for rotation, pressing, and tilting functions, enabling precise and efficient navigation. The underlying technology for these rotary knobs comes from the automotive sector, allowing for potential partial technology transfer.

Ultimately, these console systems serve as the interface between the operator and the machine. They consolidate the control and monitoring functions into a unified, ergonomically optimized platform, allowing for intuitive and precise machine operation under various conditions.

Agricultural Engineering

Smart and Efficient: An Opportunity for Automotive Suppliers?

Synergy Effects in Development and Manufacturing

Upon closer examination, the synergy effects between the industries are not contradictory. Experience shows, however, that the development and manufacturing of HMI control devices for passenger cars and agricultural machinery do not automatically lead to synergies within an organizational framework. Individual components such as multifunction switches or rotary controllers can be adapted with manageable technological effort. However, increasing functional requirements in agricultural machinery cockpits necessitate distinct design approaches and development processes that differ significantly from those in the automotive sector.

Here, the console systems have proven effective. While they can integrate certain technologies from the automotive sector, they are primarily proprietary solutions tailored to the specific needs of agricultural machinery. Preh's platform strategy allows for modularity and scalability.

Collaboration with OEMs enables products that meet real-world requirements—both on the road and in the field.