Multivariable sensing improves agricultural machine control

Gefran is showcasing a portfolio of sensing technologies for agricultural mobile machines at Agrishow 2026 in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil (April 27–May 1), focusing on motion control, hydraulic management, and machine safety in demanding field conditions.

Sensing technologies for precision agriculture
Modern agricultural machines rely on accurate sensing to control mechanical movements, hydraulic circuits, and vehicle dynamics. Gefran’s portfolio integrates position and pressure sensing to support these core functions, enabling consistent and repeatable operation across applications such as tractors, sprayers, and implement systems.

Position sensors are used to monitor components such as booms, arms, and implements, ensuring precise alignment and movement control. Rotary sensors (GRA, GR3P, GRN) and linear position sensors (RK-5) provide continuous feedback for real-time adjustment of machine operations.

Pressure sensors from the KM series enable monitoring of hydraulic systems, allowing control of fluid power and contributing to efficient actuator performance. This supports stable and predictable machine behavior under varying load and terrain conditions.

Together, these technologies form part of a broader digital supply chain in agriculture, where sensor data improves machine automation, diagnostics, and operational efficiency.

TWIIST sensor for multivariable control
A central technology presented is TWIIST, a multivariable position sensor designed to combine several measurement parameters into a single device. It captures position, movement speed, inclination, and vibration, enabling more advanced control strategies while simplifying machine architecture.

In precision agriculture applications such as slope-adaptive weeding, TWIIST enables automatic compensation for terrain inclination. This ensures that implements maintain correct alignment with the ground, improving operational accuracy and reducing variability in field results.

The sensor also supports suspension monitoring in agricultural vehicles. By providing combined motion and orientation data, it enables more precise control of vehicle dynamics, contributing to improved stability and operator comfort.

For harsh environments, TWIIST is available with protective shielding designed to withstand mechanical shocks, debris, dust, and water exposure, ensuring reliability in real-world agricultural conditions.

Design for harsh operating environments
Agricultural machines operate under continuous exposure to temperature variation, moisture, and mechanical stress. Gefran sensors are constructed using materials such as stainless steel and high-performance polymers including PPA, selected for durability in these conditions.

The sensors are designed to operate at temperatures up to 125°C and are available with ingress protection ratings up to IP69K. This level of protection supports operation in environments involving dust, mud, and high-pressure cleaning processes.

Such specifications are critical for maintaining sensor accuracy and reducing maintenance intervals in high-duty-cycle agricultural applications.

Role in modern agricultural machinery
By combining position, pressure, and multivariable sensing, the presented technologies support more precise control of agricultural equipment and improved system integration. This contributes to higher operational efficiency, reduced variability in field operations, and more reliable machine performance.

The technologies on display at Agrishow 2026 illustrate how sensor integration is evolving from single-parameter measurement toward multi-functional systems that enable advanced automation in agricultural machinery.

Edited by an industrial journalist Sucithra Mani with AI assistance.

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