Cutting-edge smart technology and clean energy are making farm machinery more efficient and user-friendly, as showcased at the three-day 2026 China International Agricultural Machinery Exhibition (CIAME), which concluded Wednesday in Tianjin.
Two standout machines at the exhibition attracted major attention for being both more capable and more intelligent than traditional equipment. One is a new-energy-powered harvester that stands four meters tall and features a 5.5-meter-wide cutting header. In a single day, it can harvest about 33 hectares of corn.
"The first advantage is energy-saving. Based on our tests, it uses 10 to 20 percent less fuel than traditional machines. The electric motor frees it from conventional constraints, offering stronger and more consistent power, about 400 horsepower," said Li Jinliang, an exhibitor.
In addition to its robust performance, the harvester is equipped with more than 30 sensors for enhanced smart operation.
"It automatically adjusts the drum speed based on the moisture content of crops. This ensures greater harvesting precision, prevents grain leakage, and reduces loss," said Li.
An innovated post-harvest machinery example is also on display--a new straw baler features advanced soil-removal technology. Traditionally, balers have packed soil along with the straw, requiring extra cleaning at power plants. This new machine, however, removes soil during the baling process itself.
Inside the baler, automated density sensors help separate soil from straw.
"We achieve this through an eight-stage process that gradually reduces the soil content. When the soil content drops below 10 percent, the straw goes into the baling chamber, enabling soil removal without stopping the machine," said Zhang Dawei, exhibitor.
Smart, clean-energy farm machines wow at Tianjin expo
