Ayrstone announces the release of the new AyrMesh Cab Hub2, designed specifically for connecting farm equipment to the network. The AyrMesh Cab Hub2 is a version of the company’s AyrMesh Hub2x2 but modified to make it easy to mount on a tractor, sprayer, combine, UTV or truck.

The purpose of the Cab Hub2 is to facilitate high-speed, high-bandwidth data communications between farm equipment and local resources, other farm machines, and the Internet. As autonomy becomes more prevalent on the farm, strong Machine-to-Machine (M2M) connectivity becomes increasingly important. From simple data transfer like getting RTK corrections (locally or via the Internet) to complex operations like platooning and swarming, M2M communication is absolutely vital on modern farm equipment. The AyrMesh system works even where there is no cellular connection – it is built specifically for use in rural locations. 

The Cab Hub2 includes a unique cable that allows the Hub to be powered from a common 12-volt utility plug, and two external magnetic-mount antennas for a clear signal. It mounts in the cab of any farm or ranch vehicle to connect that vehicle to the rest of the AyrMesh network. 

The Cab Hub2 is available either in the “retail” configuration with a strong plastic case, power cable, and two magnetic mount antennas, or as an embeddable option for farm equipment OEMs who want to include it as default for connectivity.

“Machine to Machine communication is becoming vital as the industry moves toward autonomy,” said Bill Moffitt, president of Ayrstone Productivity. “The new AyrMesh Cab Hub2 can best be used with an existing AyrMesh WiFi system to keep farm equipment connected all over the farm, but it can also be used as a stand-alone wireless networking node for an autonomous vehicle fleet.”

“While our first target is normal farm equipment that requires connectivity for normal tasks like RTK corrections or moving prescriptions and as-applied data,” he added, “We are eager to work with manufacturers of farm machinery to help them create fully autonomous solutions.”

The AyrMesh Cab Hub2 retails for $499.95 and is available now from Ayrstone Pro Partners in the U.S. and Canada and at the Ayrstone store.