Robotics, AI, drones and sensors

Robots and drones are being designed to help farmers and foresters in their day-to-day work. Robot pepper pickers, for instance, work in the hot and humid environment of greenhouses where producers often struggle to find workers who are willing to endure these conditions. Milking robots allow cows to choose when they need to be milked, improving both animal and farmer welfare, and weeding robots can perform physically demanding work and allow farmers to reduce the use of herbicides. These are just a few of many examples.

Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), allow farmers and foresters to closely monitor and precisely manage crop and tree conditions. They can help farmers discover issues such as crops not being properly irrigated, or identify an area of a field that requires intensive scouting. Drones can also be used for soil and field analysis, showing moisture content and soil erosion through accurate 3-D maps. In forestry, drones can help identify potential fire hazards, or areas that are affected by disease, stress, or pest infestations.

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) allow users to create layered, interactive maps that visualise geo-spatial field and forest data. This allows farmers and foresters to map, for instance, soil types, nutrient and moisture levels, or tree health. GIS supports decision-making to address issues quickly when changes in patterns are detected.

Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are satellite-driven navigation systems that can give farmers and foresters accurate and real-time information on their fields or forests. They can be used to locate livestock and manage grazing patterns, to apply fertiliser or pesticides only where needed, or to guide autonomous machinery for high-precision planting or harvesting.