John Deere expands autonomy operations with GUSS acquisition

John Deere has expanded its autonomous tractor operations by acquiring full ownership of GUSS Automation, a Kingsburg, Calif.-based company specializing in supervised autonomy for high-value crops.

The move builds on a joint venture formed in 2022 and strengthens Deere’s strategy to deliver advanced solutions that address grower challenges around labor shortages, rising input costs and crop protection, according to release from Deere today. Founded in 2018, GUSS manufactures autonomous sprayers capable of remote supervision by a single operator managing up to eight machines at once.

Equipped with GPS, LiDAR and proprietary software, GUSS sprayers reduce labor needs, operator error and material waste, according to the release. To date, more than 250 GUSS machines have been deployed worldwide.

GUSS will retain its brand, employees and Kingsburg manufacturing facility while continuing to sell exclusively through John Deere dealers, according to the release. The sprayers, which already use John Deere Power Systems engines, will remain a core offering within Deere’s portfolio, while expanding its U.S. manufacturing footprint.

The acquisition will accelerate GUSS’ global reach and support further innovation, including tighter integration with John Deere’s agriculture technologies, according to the release.

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