What does "autonomous" really mean? Even within technical circles, the term is often used too loosely. Yet especially in agricultural engineering, it is critical to distinguish whether a system merely follows preprogrammed routines – or whether it can make decisions, navigate, and respond independently.
Autonomous machines are more than just automated processes. They require clear architectural principles, robust redundancy, and a control system capable of carrying real operational responsibility. That’s where NX NextMotion comes in – a platform designed to safely manage all levels of machine autonomy.
Autonomy Is More Than Automation
Automated, semi-autonomous, autonomous – three terms that are often used interchangeably in agtech discourse, but in fact represent fundamentally different system requirements. The gap between a GPS-guided tractor with lane-keeping assist and a fully autonomous robot navigating dynamic field environments is massive – technically, in terms of safety, and legally.
A recent study on agricultural autonomy highlights: "Autonomy in agriculture goes beyond navigation – it includes real-time object detection for improved safety and coordinated multi-machine operations." – Kempten University of Applied Sciences, “Autonomy in Agriculture”, 2025
Evaluating autonomy levels always depends on operational context, environmental complexity, and safety requirements. A robust system architecture must reflect this variability and reliably control it.
From GPS to AI – The Levels of Machine Autonomy
International standards like ISO 18497 or the ALFUS framework (Autonomy Levels for Unmanned Systems) distinguish three main autonomy levels:
NX NextMotion: A Control Architecture for Every Autonomy Level
The NX NextMotion Drive-by-Wire platform is built from the ground up to scale across all autonomy levels – depending on use case, safety class, and system complexity:
This enables real system validation under varying real-world conditions and significantly simplifies homologation for OEMs and development partners. NX NextMotion becomes the universal control backbone for autonomous agricultural systems – from assistive vehicles to fully AI-driven machine fleets.
Real-World Testing, Real Impact
Current pilot projects confirm: autonomy is not a product feature, but a development process. Whether it’s a semi-autonomous forage harvester with object recognition or a fully autonomous tool carrier operating in a swarm – the core requirement remains the same: a secure, digital control architecture that can be adapted, validated, and scaled.
NX NextMotion doesn’t just handle the mechanical control – it provides the systemic foundation for safe autonomy in the field, including real-time diagnostics, secure communication, and behavioral verification.
Autonomy Starts in Architecture – Not in the Algorithm
Autonomous machines must do more than decide – they must take responsibility. Technically, functionally, and safely. That’s why autonomy is not a feature, but a design philosophy. NX NextMotion is the platform that puts this philosophy into real-world practice – modular, certifiable, and ready to scale.
We control what moves.
Live at AGRITECHNICA 2025
Experience NX NextMotion in action – with live remote-controlled vehicles, deep dives into safety architecture, and direct exchange with our development team.
Autonomous machines are more than just automated processes. They require clear architectural principles, robust redundancy, and a control system capable of carrying real operational responsibility. That’s where NX NextMotion comes in – a platform designed to safely manage all levels of machine autonomy.
Autonomy Is More Than Automation
Automated, semi-autonomous, autonomous – three terms that are often used interchangeably in agtech discourse, but in fact represent fundamentally different system requirements. The gap between a GPS-guided tractor with lane-keeping assist and a fully autonomous robot navigating dynamic field environments is massive – technically, in terms of safety, and legally.
A recent study on agricultural autonomy highlights: "Autonomy in agriculture goes beyond navigation – it includes real-time object detection for improved safety and coordinated multi-machine operations." – Kempten University of Applied Sciences, “Autonomy in Agriculture”, 2025
Evaluating autonomy levels always depends on operational context, environmental complexity, and safety requirements. A robust system architecture must reflect this variability and reliably control it.
From GPS to AI – The Levels of Machine Autonomy
International standards like ISO 18497 or the ALFUS framework (Autonomy Levels for Unmanned Systems) distinguish three main autonomy levels:
- Automation: Machines execute predefined tasks in structured environments
- Semi-autonomy: Systems adapt to known contexts with basic sensor logic
- Full autonomy: Machines perceive, navigate, and make decisions under dynamic and uncertain conditions – without human input
NX NextMotion: A Control Architecture for Every Autonomy Level
The NX NextMotion Drive-by-Wire platform is built from the ground up to scale across all autonomy levels – depending on use case, safety class, and system complexity:
- Full electronic control of steering, propulsion, braking, and secondary functions
- Fail-operational architecture: Remains controllable even during partial system failure
- 4x redundancy across controllers, sensors, actuators, and power supply
- Certified to ISO 26262 (ASIL D), ISO 21434, SIL3 – safety and cybersecurity ready for production
- Controllable via joystick, API, command station or AI logic
- Fully OTA-enabled, cloud- and edge-compatible
This enables real system validation under varying real-world conditions and significantly simplifies homologation for OEMs and development partners. NX NextMotion becomes the universal control backbone for autonomous agricultural systems – from assistive vehicles to fully AI-driven machine fleets.
Real-World Testing, Real Impact
Current pilot projects confirm: autonomy is not a product feature, but a development process. Whether it’s a semi-autonomous forage harvester with object recognition or a fully autonomous tool carrier operating in a swarm – the core requirement remains the same: a secure, digital control architecture that can be adapted, validated, and scaled.
NX NextMotion doesn’t just handle the mechanical control – it provides the systemic foundation for safe autonomy in the field, including real-time diagnostics, secure communication, and behavioral verification.
Autonomy Starts in Architecture – Not in the Algorithm
Autonomous machines must do more than decide – they must take responsibility. Technically, functionally, and safely. That’s why autonomy is not a feature, but a design philosophy. NX NextMotion is the platform that puts this philosophy into real-world practice – modular, certifiable, and ready to scale.
We control what moves.
Live at AGRITECHNICA 2025
Experience NX NextMotion in action – with live remote-controlled vehicles, deep dives into safety architecture, and direct exchange with our development team.
