John Deere Testing Self-Driving Tractors

(Moline, IA ) -- John Deere is planning a nationwide rollout next year of self-driving tractors. Using satellite and 360 degree cameras on the roof of the cab, the A-I tractors navigate fields stopping for possible obstacles.

John Deere says farmers use their smartphone to operate the software. That frees up the farmer to do other jobs. "All farmers need to do is transport their tractor to the field, get it set, get out the cab, and use their mobile phone to 'swipe to farm, " says Deanna Kovar, Deere & Company. The company says automated tractors can work long days and even nights, with or without an operator in the seat.

John Deere says they are testing in 18 states.