Ames, Iowa Patent of the Year – 2024/2025
Salin 247 Inc. has been awarded the 2024/2025 Patent of the Year for its innovation in autonomous agricultural machinery. Their invention, detailed in U.S. Patent No. 11927968, titled ‘Autonomous agriculture platform’, introduces a self-driving, modular platform designed to perform various farming tasks without the need for a traditional tractor.
The patented system features a central toolbar equipped with telescoping chassis beams that can extend or retract to accommodate different field conditions. These beams support multiple drive assemblies, each powered by individual motors. A built-in computing device automatically determines drive parameters, enabling the machine to navigate and operate autonomously across diverse terrains.
Salin 247’s approach focuses on small-scale, lightweight, electric-powered equipment that can operate continuously, aiming to enhance the profitability and sustainability of crop production. The company’s name reflects its goal of enabling 24/7 autonomous farming operations.
Founded in 2021 and based in Ames, Iowa, Salin 247 Inc. is developing planters, cultivators, and applicators that function independently, eliminating the need for a tractor to pull them through fields. Their machines are primarily battery-powered, with onboard generators to maintain charge levels. This innovation represents a significant step toward fully autonomous, efficient, and adaptable farming solutions.