Description: Agricultural robots are machines specifically designed to assist in various agricultural tasks, optimizing production and reducing the need for human intervention. These robots can perform a variety of functions, from planting and irrigation to harvesting and crop monitoring. Equipped with advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, sensors, and navigation systems, these devices can operate autonomously or semi-autonomously in agricultural environments. Their implementation not only aims to increase efficiency and productivity but also to minimize the use of resources such as water and fertilizers, contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices. As the global population continues to grow, the demand for food increases, making agricultural robotics an increasingly relevant solution to address the challenges of food production in the future.
History: Agricultural robotics began to take shape in the 1980s when the first automated tractors were introduced. However, it was in the 2000s when the development of technologies such as artificial intelligence and computer vision enabled significant advancements. In 2014, the first commercial agricultural robot, ‘Harvest Automation’, was introduced, designed to assist in the harvesting of crops in greenhouses. Since then, the industry has grown exponentially, with numerous startups and established companies investing in the research and development of robotic solutions for agriculture.
Uses: Agricultural robots are used in various applications, including planting, irrigation, harvesting, crop monitoring, and pest management. For example, drones are used for aerial surveillance of crops, allowing farmers to identify health issues in plants. Harvesting robots, such as the ‘Agrobot’, can efficiently collect fruits and vegetables, while automated irrigation systems optimize water usage.
Examples: A notable example of an agricultural robot is the ‘TomatoBot’, which uses computer vision to identify ripe tomatoes and harvest them. Another example is ‘Blue River Technology’, which employs artificial intelligence to detect and precisely eliminate weeds, reducing the need for herbicides. Additionally, ‘Fieldwork Robotics’ has developed a robot that can harvest raspberries, demonstrating the versatility of robotics in agriculture.
