Foxconn receives first order for self-driving electric tractors, production to begin in first quarter of next year

Silicon Valley-based Monarch Tractor launched its pilot program last year to a number of farmers to try out its self-driving electric tractors. Since then, the company has entered into a multi-year licensing agreement with Italian-American automaker CNH Industrial, which owns a minority stake in Monarch Tractor.

As competition brews among agricultural equipment manufacturers to expand precision farming technology and self-driving machinery, Penmeza said the company's business model of targeting small farmers gives them a unique opportunity to increase their market share while being on the same playing field as larger manufacturers.

Pen Mesa added: "Their technology is focused on large farm operations and commodity crops, but fruit and vegetable farmers use much smaller tractors, so our focus on small farmers makes a big difference."

Monarch Tractor did not disclose the cost of the tractors, but said the autopilot software would be sold separately and farmers would have to pay a monthly fee to access the service.