Agricultural Robots : In the last few decades, India’s agriculture industry has undergone a drastic transformation. Our farming methods have evolved from traditional to smart. Agricultural technology has finally overcome the challenges of rural agriculture and is continuously coming up with new solutions to increase productivity. To feed an ever-growing population, farmers must produce high-yield crops. The development of drones, moisture sensors, etc., has enabled this sustainable growth due to technological developments and artificial intelligence. Robots used in agriculture are one example. Find out what agricultural robots are, what type of robots they are, and how they are important.
Why do we need Agricultural Robots?
Agribots, or Agbots, are agricultural robots that provide artificial intelligence through artificial intelligence. Using them improves farmers’ productivity and reduces their reliance on manual labor.
Read More: Farming Kiwi Fruit in India: Steps, Benefits & Profits
Agricultural robots are used where?
The use of agribots improves efficiency by automating routine farming tasks. A number of farm functions are performed by these robots, including:
The harvesting process : An Agribot performs this function frequently. Crop yields are increased through the use of these robots, since they work faster and more accurately.
Control of weeds: The use of laser technology by agriculture robots allows them to distinguish weeds from useful crops and to remove them by causing artificial soil disturbances.
Grass cutting : Farmland can be cut with precision with the help of agricultural robots powered by smart sensors.
Planting: Furthermore, agribots can be used as seeders, where they predict soil properties and help place seeds precisely.
Spritzing: Pesticides and fertilizers can be proactively targeted by Agbots, thereby reducing resource waste.
Packaging and sorting: Robots in agriculture perform tasks such as detecting, sorting, and packing.
Observation of livestock : The use of agbots assists farmers with tracking livestock and navigating them through rugged terrain.
The irrigation system: Water volumes can be accessed through artificial intelligence which allows farmers to use water in a controlled manner only on plants that require it.
Read More: Non organic vs organic : why it’s better
What was the purpose of introducing agricultural robots?
‘Necessity is the mother of invention’ probably rings a bell with you. The invention of agricultural robots was influenced by several factors, just as any other invention. Below are a few of these factors:
- The United Nations estimates that ten billion people will live on this planet by the year 2050. The ever-increasing population makes it necessary to increase food production levels.
- With Agribots, we aim to enhance farm productivity sustainably while reducing natural resource waste through advancements in precision farming.
- Land and water resources can be effectively utilized by agribots per square foot. Furthermore, they facilitate accurate analysis of crops and livestock to improve farm yields.
The different types of agricultural robots
Agricultural robots can be categorized into three main groups based on their functions.
Robots for harvesting crops: Taking care of crops is a repetitive, monotonous, and physically demanding task. It also requires skill and delicacy. Several robotic components are used in crop-harvesting robots to make them able to operate in scorching climates. By utilizing sophisticated vision algorithms and machine learning algorithms, these robots can control crops’ fragile nature while avoiding unripe or diseased products. All three companies are based in the US and manufacture crop-harvesting robots.
Robotic weeders: There are both advantages and disadvantages to weed control in agriculture. It is still common for farmers to use herbicides even if they practice crop rotation. In retrospect, herbicides are hardly a solution in a world where consumers are turning away from chemically treated foods. The use of weed-management robots is a good option in such cases. Using advanced artificial intelligence, these robots can distinguish crops from weeds. Herbicides are reduced to a minimum by weeders and blades that run along the base, removing unwanted weeds. Weeding robots are made by companies such as Naio Technologies (France) and Nexus Robotics (Nova Scotia).
Seed-planting & aerial imaging drones: Seed planting and agricultural imagery are in the air. In addition to saving farmers time, aerial imagery gives them a bird’s eye view of their crops. Using this method, farmers can quickly determine the health of vegetation, insect infestations, and the growth of weeds. Furthermore, it helps them determine how much fertilizer and seeds they will need in the fields.
Precision farming is becoming increasingly relevant to drones. In addition to collecting and processing data about crop stress, they are self-charging, sophisticated pieces of machinery. Furthermore, they enable farmers to identify areas for improvement. US companies American Robotics and UAV Systems International (Israel) are among the leading manufacturers of drones for aerial imaging and seed planting.
Indian Market Overview, Leading Manufacturers, and Prices
Agriculture robots are unquestionably needed in India. The use of robotics and automation-oriented solutions remains at a nascent stage in India, despite the widespread availability of data-oriented digital solutions. Though robotics in agriculture is becoming more popular, more and more industries are commercializing the concept of these transformative solutions with great success. Agricultural robots start at just Rs. 6,000 in India.
How can agricultural robots benefit farmers?
Farmers in India benefit from the use of agricultural robots in several ways, including:
Labor costs decreased: Agribots can easily perform all major farming tasks, eliminating the need for human labor. Therefore, farmers become more independent since manual labor is no longer needed.
Profit growth : It is generally a one-time investment, but it is costly. Despite its low operational costs, this investment is long-term profitable.
Resource conservation: As a result of accurate monitoring, Agbots ensure that resources such as water, chemicals, etc., are utilized to the full extent possible. Furthermore, they conserve resources and reduce waste.
Recruits young talent: Young minds have been fascinated by modern technology and artificial intelligence for many years now. As a result of these advancements, more young farmers are practicing agriculture for a livelihood. It is possible that urban populations might even become involved in the agriculture industry in the future due to this inclination.
Produce maximum results: Farmers can save time and energy by using agricultural robots in almost every aspect of their farming operation. Furthermore, the accurate soil reports help farmers maximize production while maintaining quality by understanding which crops are suitable for their soil.
Agricultural robots have some drawbacks
The use of agricultural robots is hindered substantially by certain shortcomings they have, despite the numerous benefits they offer. The following are some of the drawbacks.
A costly process: Small and marginal farmers cannot afford agribots due to their high cost of ownership.
Operational complexity: It is difficult to use agbots because they are equipped with the latest technological advances.
Expertise required: Farmers cannot properly take care of their farmlands if they are not skilled or proficient in handling modern technology.
A power outage: India is a country faced with regular power cuts, especially in rural areas. It renders agricultural robots useless because they cannot work without electricity, leading to unnecessary wastage of time.
In conclusion
It is important to be aware of the different types of robots available, their costs and benefits before making a decision, whether you decide to work with a reputable systems integrator or handle the robotic systems yourself. Our goal was to educate you about agricultural robots and their relevance to farming.
We bring you updates and news related to ‘Modern Technology in Farming’ in both Hindi and English on Aarug Agro.
