Agricultural Machinery Sensors for Functional Safety

At the 47th edition of EIMA International, held from November 10 to 14, 2026, at BolognaFiere, Gefran presents dedicated sensor solutions engineered for mobile agricultural machinery operating under severe environmental conditions.

Core Technology and System Architecture
The updated TWIIST multivariable position sensor integrates position, linear velocity, and acceleration measurements within a single physical housing. To prevent mechanical jamming caused by mud, agricultural chemicals, and crop residues, the mechanical interface incorporates dedicated scraper rings, dynamic sealing elements, and a self-supporting metal protective chassis. For system integration and automated diagnostics, digital versions interface directly with electronic control units via SAE J1939 and CANopen network protocols, alongside standard analog configurations.

Complementing kinematic tracking, the SLR strain sensor mounts directly to machine structural elements to measure micro-deformations. These deformation values allow machine controllers to derive dynamic loads, applied forces, and structural stress. The unit incorporates active internal thermal compensation circuitry to eliminate drift and ensure measurement stability across an operating temperature range of minus 40 degrees Celsius to plus 80 degrees Celsius.

Deployment or Implementation
Sensors deploy directly onto operational load paths and chassis assemblies across agricultural implements and off-highway platforms. Structural strain units mount directly to structural steel surfaces on load-bearing elements. Position units bolt to articulated arms and linear actuators, with bus communication feeding central telematics and control units. The integration architecture supports direct replacement of discrete multi-sensor setups by transmitting combined kinematic variables across standardized vehicle buses.

Industry Applications
Target applications include tractors, trailers, telehandlers, seeders, and harvest machinery. The SLR sensor provides structural monitoring across vehicle axles, drawbars, hitch systems, and three-point implement lifters to prevent structural fatigue and mechanical failure during heavy hauling. The TWIIST sensor provides closed-loop control of hydraulic implement height, boom positioning, and steering systems, ensuring precise kinematic feedback despite surface contamination. Rotary GRA sensors with integrated shafts and non-contact GRN magnetic units monitor pedal displacement and steering geometry, while GIB inclinometers provide angle feedback for slope stability and chassis leveling on elevated platforms.

Operational Impact and Performance Metrics
The hardware architecture reduces component count by combining three physical kinematic variables into one sensor housing, decreasing wiring harness complexity and failure points. Multi-stage sealing and integrated scrapers prevent particulate buildup from stalling the linear sliding assembly, extending mean time between failures in abrasive environments.

To support functional safety compliance, Gefran is advancing its certification schedule to achieve SIL 2 according to IEC 62061 and PL d according to ISO 13849 across its mobile machine sensor line. This standardized architecture accelerates OEM machinery homologation. The development roadmap also incorporates cybersecurity and integrity protocols mandated by the upcoming European Union Machinery Regulation, ensuring system-level defense against unauthorized interface manipulation prior to enforcement in January 2027.

Edited by Sucithra Mani, Induportals editor – adapted by AI

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