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The RoboBees developed by researchers at Harvard’s Wyss Institute may look like miniature flying toys, but their capabilities could revolutionize agriculture. These autonomous machines have the ability to achieve vertical take-off, hover, and steer, making them potential candidates for tasks such as crop pollination and environmental monitoring. While currently confined to the lab, the rapid advancement of technology and the increasing labor shortages in the industry are making robots economically viable for farming practices.
Belinda Clarke, the director of Agri-TechE, explains that robots were initially used in controlled environments like polytunnels and glasshouses to avoid exposure to mud and rain. However, they are now being deployed in the field. Their advanced capabilities allow for a more tailored, plant-by-plant approach to cultivation, reducing resource inputs such as water and agrichemicals. For example, FarmWise has developed a weeding robot that utilizes computer vision and AI to distinguish between weeds and crops, leading to cost savings and reduced herbicide usage.
Previously, the agriculture industry was slow to adopt robots due to high capital investment and limited seasonal deployment. However, factors such as restrictions on migrant labor, an aging workforce, and the unpopularity of physically demanding and monotonous tasks have made human workers more expensive and harder to find. In mature economies like the US, farm workers’ wages have risen significantly compared to non-farm workers. This has created an opportunity for robots to fill the labor gap and perform tasks with speed, accuracy, and reliability.
Advancements in “soft robotics” have further expanded the possibilities for automation in agriculture. Robots can now delicately handle and remove high-value produce without causing damage. Tjarko Leifer, the CEO of FarmWise, predicts a new wave of agricultural automation driven by robots. He highlights the ability of computers to see and perform tasks that were once exclusive to humans.
In addition to performing tasks, robots equipped with machine learning can collect and analyze large volumes of data for insights into crop cultivation. By tracking plant responses to inputs like water and chemicals, farmers can optimize resource usage and minimize waste. Precision farming is taken to another level, allowing for targeted application of fertilizers and pesticides.
The smaller size of these new generation robots offers additional benefits. They are lighter and cause less soil compaction compared to traditional machinery. Compacted soil hinders nutrient access and water retention, making it important to maintain soil structure. Moreover, robots running on rechargeable batteries can be powered by solar energy, making them more sustainable.
While robots are becoming economically viable in developed markets, affordability remains a challenge for farmers in developing countries. Additionally, regulatory uncertainty surrounding the use of fully autonomous robots poses obstacles to widespread adoption. However, as governments prioritize food security and sustainability, and as autonomous machines become more intelligent, these barriers are likely to be overcome.
Tjarko Leifer believes that the success of robotics in advancing precision farming will drive its adoption. The ability to tailor nutrient application and crop protection chemistry on a plant-by-plant basis benefits farmers, consumers, and the environment.
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