How Embedded Display Technology Is Transforming Farming Equipment 

Farming has always been a blend of tradition and innovation. From the first mechanical plows to today’s autonomous tractors, technology has continuously reshaped how we cultivate the land. One of the most exciting advancements in recent years is the integration of embedded touchscreen displays into agricultural machinery—bringing precision, efficiency, and intelligence to the field. 

The Rise of Smart Farming Equipment 

Modern farming equipment is no longer just mechanical—it’s digital. Tractors, harvesters, sprayers, and seeders are now equipped with sensors, GPS, and software that help farmers make data-driven decisions. At the heart of this transformation are embedded touchscreen displays, which serve as the interface between the operator and the machine. 

These rugged, high-performance displays allow farmers to: 

• Monitor real-time data like soil conditions, fuel usage, and crop yield. 

• Control equipment functions such as planting depth, spraying patterns, and harvesting speed. 

• Navigate fields using GPS-based guidance systems. 

• Diagnose issues with onboard diagnostics and maintenance alerts. 

Use Cases for Embedded Touchscreens in Agriculture 

Here are just a few examples of how embedded displays are used in farming equipment: 

• Tractor Control Consoles: Touchscreens provide intuitive access to engine performance, hydraulic settings, and GPS navigation. 

• Combine Harvesters: Operators can monitor grain flow, adjust threshing settings, and track yield data. 

• Sprayers and Spreaders: Displays allow precise control of chemical application rates and coverage areas. 

• Autonomous Equipment: Touchscreens serve as command centers for programming routes and monitoring autonomous operations. 

Why Ruggedness Matters 

Agricultural environments are tough—dust, moisture, vibration, and extreme temperatures are all part of the job. That’s why embedded displays in farming equipment must be rugged, reliable, and readable in sunlight. 

Reach Technology: Proven Expertise in Rugged Display Solutions 

At Reach Technology, we’ve helped clients across industries build durable, high-performance embedded displays for challenging environments. One recent project involved developing a 12.1” Projected Capacitive (PCAP) touchscreen display for an optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) device used both indoors and outdoors. 

Here’s how we met the challenge: 

Client Needs 

• Rugged 12.1” PCAP touchscreen 

• Suitable for outdoor use 

• Increased storage capacity 

• Upgraded Linux kernel 

• Custom PCBA layout 

Our Solution 

• Custom Touchscreen Display: 

• • Optically clear adhesive (OCA) bonding for durability and visibility 

• • Anti-UV treatment to prevent sun damage 

• • 3mm cover glass targeting IK08 impact resistance 

• Modified G3 PCBA Board: 

• • Expanded eMMC storage to 16GB 

• • Added SPI and I2C ports for peripheral support 

• Software Upgrades: 

• • Linux Kernel 6.11 for enhanced performance and security 

• • Qt6 support for modern UI frameworks 

These same capabilities—rugged hardware, custom electronics, and modern software—can be applied to farming equipment, helping manufacturers deliver smarter, more resilient machines to the agricultural market. 

Let’s Build the Future of Farming Together 

Whether you’re designing the next generation of smart tractors or upgrading existing equipment with digital interfaces, Reach Technology is ready to help. Our experience in building custom embedded display solutions for harsh environments makes us a trusted partner for OEMs in the agricultural sector. 

Reach Out today to explore how we can bring rugged, intelligent display technology to your farming equipment.