NTT, Kubota Corporation, and NTT DOCOMO successfully carried out a joint trial (referred to as “the demonstration”) aimed at stabilizing communication and guaranteeing uninterrupted video feeds for remotely operated and monitored robotic farming equipment in hilly terrain. During the demonstration, they applied optimized control to video transmission — essential for operating robotic farm machinery — by integrating mobile and satellite networks alongside video control technology. The results showed that video clarity remained consistent even with variable network conditions, proving the solution’s effectiveness as a communication backbone for remote machinery oversight.
NTT plans to showcase this innovation at the Tsukuba Forum 2026, scheduled for May 27–28, 2026.
Background
To secure sustainable farming in the future, it’s vital to accelerate automation to counteract workforce gaps and adopt data-driven management techniques. Japan’s government is actively revising regulations to permit robotic farm vehicles on public roads, provided safety protocols include remote monitoring.
Previously, NTT and Kubota have collaborated on ICT-based research and development to modernize agriculture for farmers. Their work includes farm management digitization, operational streamlines, automation, and producing premium crops.
Nonetheless, roughly 40% of Japan’s farmland lies in mountainous regions where signal quality often fluctuates because of uneven landscapes and obstacles. Communication interruptions can occur as robotic equipment moves through fields, creating delays or disconnections. Given that inconsistent connectivity poses risks during remote operation, reliably transmitting operational data and visuals remains crucial for real-world application.
Initiative Overview
In this trial, multiple network links — both mobile and satellite — were deployed based on current connectivity. Tests verified that stable performance was attainable by supplementing cellular connections with satellite links in areas like mountainous terrain where local mobile networks frequently weaken or drop.
Additionally, video control mechanisms automatically adjusted compressing video according to bandwidth availability while preserving clarity in key zones, such as crop rows and equipment pathways. This guaranteed clear feeds during remote operation and monitoring tasks.
Figure 1. Future vision for communication and video control in the remote operation and monitoring of robotic agricultural machinery
Core Technologies
(1) Integrated Mobile and Satellite Link Management
A multi-link management system was implemented to blend cellular and satellite channels effectively. By enabling these networks to interconnect, connectivity remains stable even in remote or challenging locations.
(2) Adaptive Video Compression
Predicting available bandwidth, this technique retains visuals in essential areas, such as travel paths, while compressing elsewhere. This ensures consistent video delivery during operations.
Figure 2. Experimental configuration
Company Contributions
- NTT
Delivered “Cradio,” a predictive wireless quality analyzer, plus the “Cooperative Infrastructure Platform,” a multi-link optimizer based on quality forecasts, and led the demonstration efforts. - Kubota
Supplied robotic farming machinery and field testing locations. - NTT DOCOMO
Provided adaptive video compression retaining image integrity where needed, guided by wireless prediction systems.
Looking Ahead
The communication and video innovations demonstrated here will enhance reliability during remote machinery oversight and support eventually reaching full autonomy. Teams will drive data-centric agriculture globally while pushing toward ecological farming practices.
Additionally, NTT will continue addressing societal needs through satellite-focused solutions under its NTT C89 initiative.
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