Robotics Beyond Tractors
Did you know?
Robotics on farms aren’t just for tractors — some robots are built to zap weeds with lasers, plant seeds all by themselves, or even scurry through fields like little helpers checking on crops!
What is it and why is it useful?
Farm robots are still mostly in development, but they are being developed and farmers are beginning to investigate the use new kinds of robots to make their work more efficient and sustainable:
- Weed-zapping robots use cameras and lasers to identify and target weeds, so farmers can use fewer herbicides.
- Autonomous seed planters drive through fields planting seeds at the perfect depth and spacing.
- Mini crop-monitoring robots move between plants, taking photos and measurements to help farmers know how crops are growing and if they need any support from the farmer like more nutrients or protection against diseases.
- Robotscan work longer hours than farmers so a lot of work can be accomplished in less time.
- For field crops, like grains, robots can be used for precision seed broadcasting, soil sampling and testing, eliminating weeds, and cultivating.
Farm robots will help save time, fuel, and resources while protecting soil and plants.
Fun Facts
- Some farm robots are about the size of a microwave oven on wheels!
- Robots can “see” plants using special cameras that detect colors or shapes our eyes might miss.
- A weed-zapping robot can fire its laser thousands of times per hour to eliminate any harmful weeds growing in a grain field.
Do they replace farmers?
No. Farmers still drive combines (though they may have auto-steering). The machine collects data, but farmers interpret the maps and make decisions for future planting. Farmers have a lot of decisions to make on their farms – and a lot of variables that impact what choices they make. Having the ability to collect and analyze data helps #YourFarmers make sustainable, efficient and choices that will positively impact their farm businesses.
The Big Picture
Robots in farming show how STEM is shaping the future of food. By using smart machines, farmers can grow grain more efficiently and sustainability by reducing the need for expensive pesticides, reducing compaction and emissions from large farm equipment, and understand precisely their growing crops health and needs. Grain farming using smart machines can help meet the world’s growing population need for food.
Check out these videos!
Upside Robotics designs autonomous field robots that deliver nutrients precisely, continuously, and efficiently on over 3,000 corn acres in Ontario.
Farmdroid is a solar-powered robot that seeds and weeds.
Minds-On Questions (pick one):
- If you could invent a robot to help farmers, what job would it do?
- Do you think robots will replace farmers, or just work alongside them?
- How do these robots remind you of robots in your everyday life (like a Roomba or a video game character)?
Connections
Tech toolbox for sustainable farming – Good in Every Grain
