Machinery & Robotics
Robotics and associated software represent the next big opportunity in agriculture by helping address labor shortages, improve productivity, and promote sustainable farming practices.
While machinery like tractors, sprayers and harvesters have long been used in agriculture – and in a sense, represent an early ‘technological revolution’ in their own right – it is the age of robotics and associated software where the next opportunities lie.
Deploying agtech to take on talks better suited to automation could allow a farmer to better manage their staff and resources.
Robots vs Robotics vs Automation
Our friends at the Queensland Department of Primary Industries explain the three categories as follows:
Automation is the use of computer software, machines or other technology to carry out a task that would otherwise be done by a human. Robotics is the field of engineering incorporating multiple disciplines to design, build, program and use robotic machines. Robots are self-contained electronic, electric, or mechanical devices programmed to perform discreet tasks, often automatically and intelligently.
There are many areas in which robotics can make a significant impact:
Crop Management
- Planting Robots: These robots plant seeds at optimal depths and intervals, ensuring uniform growth and reducing seed wastage.
- Weeding Robots: Equipped with vision systems, these robots distinguish between crops and weeds, using mechanical tools or targeted herbicide application to control unwanted vegetation without harming the crops.
- Harvesting Robots: These robots identify ripe fruits and vegetables using sophisticated sensors and algorithms, carefully picking and collecting produce without causing damage.
Livestock Farming
- Automated Milking Systems (AMS): These systems allow cattle to be milked on-demand, reducing stress on the animals and labour requirements for farmers.
- Health Monitoring Systems: Wearables and stationary sensors track vital signs and behaviors, swiftly identifying illnesses or distress within the herd and enabling prompt treatment.
Resource Management
- Automated Irrigation Systems: These systems use weather data to optimise irrigation schedules, ensuring crops receive the right amount of water at the right time, reducing water waste and improving efficiency.
Robotics in agriculture help address labour shortages, improve productivity, and promote sustainable farming practices.
A Good Place to Start
Choosing the right solution (or a combination thereof) for your business will depend on the size and scale of your operations, your production methods, connectivity, existing infrastructure, and data integration.
It is important you consider these factors when deciding what technology to purchase. While many agtech companies can provide this support, there are also independent websites and advice that can assist. AgTech Finder is an independent resource you can trust.
If finding the time to conduct this research is difficult, then try searching the ‘Help & Advice’ section of our website. There are 36 podcast episodes to listen to that talk through the benefits of adopting agtech, with each episode focusing on a particular piece of technology.
If you already have an idea of what you need, visit our Product Directory and filter your search by focus area and solution type. Click the star on the product image to add it to the comparison tool. This will allow you to compare product features side-by-side.
If you don’t know where to begin, start by browsing our wide variety of resources in the If you can’t find the advice you’re looking for, get in touch with us and we’ll work on developing a resource that helps you, and other farmers in the same predicament.
Relevant Help & Advice:
Aug 19 2024
Ep 31: Talking on-farm robotics with SwarmFarm
This episode of the AgTech Finder podcast investigates robot farm machinery. It's no longer a sci-fi fantasy, it’s already on-farm and impacting how farmers manage their operations.
Read MoreApr 15 2024
Ep 23: Shearing Innovations with The Wool Industry
EPISODE 23: The wool and shearing industry is probably not the first people think of when it comes to agtech, being one of the more traditional within agriculture. But the shearer shortage…
Read MoreMar 11 2024
Ep 19: AgTech Integration with OPS Australia
EPISODE 19: In this episode we’re talking about agtech integration, whether that’s bringing together technologies and services from different providers to leverage more value – or fully-integrated systems that not only provide…
Read MoreFeb 12 2024
Ep 15: Drones with Single Ag
EPISODE 15: In this episode we’re talking about drones. Many farmers have gone out and bought a drone with big plans, only for it soon to be sitting on the shelf collecting…
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