The bale weighing system weighs bales on the fly as they exit the machine to an accuracy of 2%. We were closely involved in the design and development of this system by contributing to the mechanical concept of the weighing table, and the design of the algorithm to derive the bale weight accurately from the available sensors. Major challenges for this algorithm are the biological diversity (different crops and environmental conditions) and the vibrations while driving on the field at 15km/h. This project is the perfect illustration of how collaboration withe external parties can shorten the development cycle, and even improve the performance of the resulting product.

Each year Sirris & ITM (Industrie & Technisch Management) accord an award to create exposure for the R&D efforts by Flemish companies. In 2012 the Bale Weighing System for large square balers of Case New Holland received the ‘Best Patented Innovation Award’.