We conduct the "Safety Inspection" program, in which we verify—by checking actual machines—whether safety is ensured for agricultural tractors (ride-on type), agricultural tractors (walk-behind type), rice transplanters (ride-on type), combine harvesters (head-feeding type), and grain dryers (circulating type). In addition, we carry out the "OECD Test," which tests safety cabs and frames for ride-on agricultural tractors with the aim of facilitating smooth international distribution. We also engage in the development of safety technologies, the advancement of evaluation test methods and equipment, and activities such as standardization, including international standardization.
The "Safety Inspection" is NARO's original certification program and consists of three types of inspections: "Safety Equipment Inspection," "Roll-over Protective Structure (ROPS) Inspection," and "Autonomous and Auto-Steering Agri-Machinery Inspection." Starting in FY2025, the program and its operational procedures were revised to apply enhanced, higher-level safety criteria established for each machine category and to increase the application rate.
Going forward, we will continue promoting initiatives to improve safety by establishing safety inspection methods and criteria for agricultural machinery and robotic agricultural machinery with a high risk of serious accidents, and by expanding the range of machine types covered by the Safety Inspection program. In addition, we will promote "standardization and international standardization" for Japan's leading safety evaluation methods and related approaches, while taking the initiative in these efforts.
