One company built an autonomous vehicle to help haul crops, saving work and time. Others use drones and sensors to communicate with farmers.
Image: iStock/lamyai
Farmers have long struggled with operational optimization and labor concerns. Finding enough labor to get the job done, as well as keeping workers safe is a constant struggle.
"There is an immediate need to improve efficiency and reduce costs, especially now that the pandemic has exposed just how fragile the supply chain is," said Suma Reddy, CEO of Future Acres, an agricultural robotics and artificial intelligence company. "We saw shortages in both production and more workers being put at risk when picking specialty crops on a daily basis that have really caused the industry to take a step back and re-examine how we can create greater resiliency in the food chain."
SEE: Natural language processing: A cheat sheet (TechRepublic)
One idea is to equip farms with a combination of AI and robotics that can "think through" as well as do some of the physical work of farming.
"We introduced Carry for that purpose," Reddy said. "It's an autonomous, electric agricultural robotic harvest companion to help farmers gather hand-picked crops faster and with less physical demand."
The Future Acres Carry helps transport harvested crops using AI.
Image: Future Acres
The self-driving Carry vehicle uses a combination of AI, automation and electric power to transport up to 500 pounds of crops. Reddy estimates that Carry can increase production efficiency by up to 30%, paying for the vehicle investment in 80 days.
"Our initial launch was targeted at customers at small- to medium-sized table-grape farms in the U.S. that are larger than 100 acres," Reddy said. "Grapes were the specialty crop we focused on initially, but the specialty crop market covers more than just grapes, and we believe that Carry can improve the harvesting of those types of crops as well."
Morder Intelligence estimates that the AI market in agriculture, valued at $766.41 million in 2020, will reach $2.5 billion by 2026. This is a compound annual growth rate of 21.52% between 2021 and 2026.
SEE: Smart farming: How IoT, robotics, and AI are tackling one of the biggest problems of the century (TechRepublic)
In this market, Carry is just one example of an array of autonomous technologies in agriculture that include AI, robotics and automation. Other examples are autonomous tractors and harvesters, as well as aerial drones that map fields and identify topography, soil types and moisture content from the air to provide input for prescriptive fertilizers that AI develops in order to optimize crop yields.
"In our case, we wanted to provide a robotic harvest companion that can transport up to 500 pounds of crops on all types of terrain and in all weather conditions," Reddy said. "To do this, we use machine learning and computer vision capabilities that enable the vehicle to avoid obstacles like trees and people, and to collect and apply data to further optimize precision and efficiency."
SEE: Future of farming: AI-enabled harvest robot flexes new dexterity skills (TechRepublic)
As with any technological advancement, trial-and-error proofs of concept are needed. Farming operational habits also need to be changed in order to take advantage of new technology.
What Reddy and others in the field have learned is that trialing AI and robotics in actual use cases offers the only true test of how well the technology performs. This is a universal truth for all types of AI and roboticsnot just the ones that find themselves in a farmer's field.
As a one-time Peace Corps volunteer in Africa, Reddy wanted to "build a better bridge between how we manage our resources and build a better future." Her company and others are now transforming agriculture with the help of big data, analytics and hardware, and it can't come too soon. The United Nations estimates that in 30 years, the global population will reach 9.7 billion people, and there will be a need to provide 50% more food by 2050.
Now is the time for AI and robotics solution providers to jump in.
Learn the latest news and best practices about data science, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence. Delivered Mondays
Read more from the original source:
AI and robotics are helping optimize farms to increase productivity and crop yields - TechRepublic
- Brief: NVIDIA's venture arm invests in autonomous weeding startup Carbon Robotics - AgFunderNews - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- 7 Robotics Stocks to Bet On for Reliable AI-Powered Returns - InvestorPlace - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- NSF and USDA join forces to boost innovation in agricultural robotics - Future Farming - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- Meet The Swiss Start-Up Taking On The Tech Giants In Robotics And AI - Forbes - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- LimX Dynamics' W1 robot can stand, walk and roll on its hind 'legs' - Interesting Engineering - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- Lear Corporation's acquisition showcases the industry's use of robotics and AI for efficiency and innovation - CBT Automotive News - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- OMRON and NEURA Robotics Partner to Unveil New Cognitive Robot at Automate 2024 - Automation.com - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- Community briefs: Ravenswood robotics at world championship, Bike to the Library Day - The Almanac Online - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- JCHS Robotics shimes at VEX World Competition | Community News - The Tomahawk - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- Carbon Robotics to Help Revolutionize Farming with AI, Using Investment from NVentures - Business Wire - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- Nvidia's DrEureka outperforms humans in training robotics systems - VentureBeat - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- Humanoid Robots: The Next-Generation Robotic Workforce - Tech Briefs - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- PHOTOS Motiva helping fund Port Arthur ISD robotics and engineering - Port Arthur News - The Port Arthur News - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- Kiwanis Club of Miami helps fund McMillan MS robotics team trip - Miami's Community Newspapers - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- The Interplay Between Robotics and Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing | RoboticsTomorrow - Robotics Tomorrow - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- Doosan Robotics releases its longest reach cobots with PRIME SERIES - Robot Report - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- KION North America and Fox Robotics Announce Non-Exclusive Strategic Partnership - Automation.com - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- Ag tech startup Carbon Robotics lands Nvidia investment - The Business Journals - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- Mars Robotics offers chance to drive Mars rover on Saturday - Butler Eagle - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- Comparative analysis of robot-assisted language learning systems and human tutors in English conversation lessons - EurekAlert - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- Valencia College to more than double students training in semiconductors, robotics and optics - The Business Journals - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- DeepMind is experimenting with a nearly indestructible robot hand - New Scientist - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- Five Things to Consider Before Adopting Robotics for Warehouse Automation - Automation.com - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- Nvidia and Alphabet's Intrinsic aim to revolutionize next-gen robotics - VentureBeat - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- NVIDIA and Alphabet's Intrinsic Put Next-Gen Robotics Within Grasp - Automation.com - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- STEM robotics team celebrates 10 years and remembers hero who saved lives - Denver 7 Colorado News - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- Zero-shot learning helps Intrinsic pave the future for robotics - FierceElectronics - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- EN robotics team demonstrates real-world learning | News Sun | kpcnews.com - KPCnews.com - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- Future Innovators Challenged to Design Nuclear Fission and Fusion Decommissioning Robots - Automation.com - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- Meet Pepper and Bernard: The robots shaping AI research at SDSU - Daily Aztec - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- Gene Haas Foundation Partner Hosts FIRST Robotics District Competitions - Kettering University - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- NASA Showcases Innovations at the 2024 FIRST Robotics World Championships - NASA - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- Robots are invading the San Carlos Branch Library - San Diego Community Newspaper Group - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- Wyoming-Based Company Makes High-Tech Robots To Go Where Humans Don't Want To - Cowboy State Daily - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- Anzu Robotics launches U.S.-based clone of DJI Mavic 3 - Robot Report - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute begins developing drones to fight wildfires - CBS Pittsburgh - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- 3 Robotics Stocks That Could Be Multibaggers in the Making: Spring Edition - MSN - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- Hopkinton teams advance to Robotics World Championships - Hopkinton Independent - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- "Big Cat Robotics" team from Wellsville returns from VRC World Championship - THE WELLSVILLE SUN - THE WELLSVILLE SUN - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- PropStream-Sponsored Robotics Team Places in Competition - RisMedia.com - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- Bellefontaine Robotics Team Travels to World Championship Peak of Ohio - peakofohio.com - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- ASL Aviation Holdings Inks Deal with Reliable Robotics for 30 Aircraft Autonomy Systems - Business Wire - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- Global Nano Robotics Market Projected to Surge to US$ 19.86 Billion by 2032: Healthcare Trends Catalyzing Nano ... - GlobeNewswire - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- 'Afghan Dreamers' | Film about Afghan girls robotics team to be screened on May 15 - Piedmont Exedra - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- 3 Robotics Stocks That Could Be Multibaggers in the Making: Spring Edition - InvestorPlace - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- The Rise of the Navy Robots - Signal Magazine - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- Elon Musk Keeps Talking About the Future of Robotics With Optimus, but This Phenomenal Growth Stock Has Already ... - The Motley Fool - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- Robosen Robotics Teams Up with Hasbro to Debut the Worlds First Auto-Converting Decepticon Megatron! - aNb Media - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- John P. Stevens Robotics Team Wins Excellence in Technology at Innovators Awards - TAPinto.net - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- Nala Robotics and Re-Up partner to develop AI-powered robotic chef - Robotics and Automation News - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- LCSD1 to Host Final Robotics Competition of the School Year Tomorrow - The Cheyenne Post - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- GMV showcases its robotic inspection capabilities Robotics & Automation News - Robotics and Automation News - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- Trine's armored robot finishes 4th in national combat - Trine University - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- Female robotics founders discuss their journeys in the industry - Robot Report - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- Hanwha Robotics, B-Robotics join hands on restaurant automation project - Aju Press - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- Dishchii'bikoh Community School Robotics Team Heads to VEX World Championship - White Mountain Independent - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- ETH unveils space-hopping robot for asteroid exploration - Robotics and Automation News - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- Nickelytics and Starship release robots at UCLA and Utah universities - Robotics and Automation News - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Next-Level Robotics: Enhancing Accuracy with Advanced Multisensory Interfaces - AZoRobotics - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Death of Lake Orion teen on robotics trip determined to be suicide, Houston police say - Detroit News - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Niqo Robotics Raises $9 Million In Funding Round Led By Brida Innovation Ventures: Report - Outlook India - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Mission to 'Holy Grail of Shipwrecks' Will Employ Robotics - USNI News - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Kiwibot acquires Auto Mobility Solutions Robotics & Automation News - Robotics and Automation News - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Untethered soft actuators for soft standalone robotics - Nature.com - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Robotics in the restaurant industry are here to stay: Carlos Gazitua - Fox Business - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- It's time for UK business to embrace robotics - Design Products & Applications - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Meet the `One Percenters' - The Top Ranked Robotics Group from Franklin - Franklin Observer - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Atlas, forefather of humanoid robots, gives way to next generation - Marketplace - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- BlueBotics releases new version of its server fleet management software - Robotics and Automation News - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- U.S. manufacturers invested heavily in robotics in 2023, finds IFR - Robot Report - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- This is a unique time: ARK Invests chief futurist tackles tech innovation from AI to robotics - CNBC - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- U.S. Companies Invest Heavily in Robots - IFR Preliminary Results EMSNow - EMSNow - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- MiR launches new autonomous mobile forklift-type robot - Robotics and Automation News - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Rutland Area Robotics' IBOTS compete in FIRST World Championships finals for first time - Rutland Herald - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Micropsi Industries introduces new AI-vision software Robotics & Automation News - Robotics and Automation News - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Robots on a Roll: The Future of Farming Is Here Now - Growing Produce - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Grand Force, Grand Forks' only FIRST Robotics team, returns from world championship with good memories - Grand Forks Herald - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Reston Robotics Team Wins National Competition At Tech Conference - Patch - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- CapSen Robotics Introduces CapSen PiC 2.0 Bin-Picking Software - Supply and Demand Chain Executive - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Gecko Robotics and Al Masaood Energy Partner to Help ADNOC Gas Revolutionize Asset Operations and ... - Business Wire - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]