Much of the western United States dealt with scorching temperatures over the past week, with some parts of California reaching more than 110 degrees Fahrenheit. That state is suffering a multiyear drought, and some residents are allowed to water their gardens and lawns only one day per week.
Texas, Nevada and New Mexico are also experiencing severe droughts, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. So, farmers have to be especially careful about how they use precious resources like water.
Marketplaces Kimberly Adams spoke with Jill McCluskey, a professor of sustainability at Washington State Universitys School of Economic Sciences, about how smart tech in agriculture can help. The following is an edited transcript of their conversation.
Jill McCluskey: It seems like farmers and producers are almost turning into artificial intelligence engineers. They are using smart crop monitoring and drones, satellites and GPS to become more efficient and reduce costs.
Kimberly Adams: What are some of the issues, or industry concerns, that are really pushing innovation in agriculture technology right now?
McCluskey: I would say the two biggest concerns for agriculture are the availability of labor and the availability of water. Artificial intelligence, robotics and machine learning can help with both of those issues. And so as we have more robotic harvesting, for example, and autonomous farm machinery, we can use less labor. And this also is probably good for the workers, that it reduces the need for them to engage in some of the menial and dangerous work.
Adams: What does a farm robot look like?
McCluskey: It depends on the crop. So for lettuce, for example, it might have wheels on both sides that go over the row of lettuce and can harvest. But for apples, it might have a raising platform that can help harvest the apples. Its just different for each crop, they would be different.
Adams: How much of farm work can be automated at this point?
McCluskey: A lot of it can be automated. If you think about [it], we have self-operated machinery thats connected to sensor data and GPS data. And so you can imagine a combine without a driver harvesting. The more challenging part in terms of harvesting is for the delicate crops that are very labor-intensive. So an example is the raspberry. So if you think about it, a raspberry is very delicate. Its really hard for a robot to pick it without damaging the fruit.
Adams: Is there any technology in development to solve that problem?
McCluskey: Theyre currently working on it. I know for some products, theyre using vacuums to pick the fruit instead of pinching it like a finger would do. They actually vacuum the fruit off the bush.
Adams: There is, of course, this bad drought happening out West this year. And water issues are just an ongoing problem for many parts of this country. How is technology working to address the water shortages many farmers are experiencing?
McCluskey: Sensors that are smart connected and satellites and drones can provide in-ground data of the moisture level. And so the water can be more efficiently applied. In the past, in the West weve often had just irrigation of fields. And so water is not used in an efficient way. And agriculture does use a large proportion of water. And as water gets more scarce, we need to use it optimally.
Adams: How affordable are some of these new technologies for farmers?
McCluskey: Affordability is still an issue. But as we continue to develop cheaper versions of it, I think itll be adopted in a more widespread way. And often, berry farmers and those types of farmers tend to be smaller than, say, a huge wheat farm or a huge soybean farm in the Midwest. So those farmers with huge fields have been able to invest in really expensive farm machinery, but the smaller operators cant. So that is an issue; it needs to get cheaper over time.
Adams: Already, large agricultural companies have a big advantage over the smaller farms. How will the fact that they can invest in these technologies and the smaller farms cant affect that dynamic moving forward?
McCluskey: It definitely puts the large farms at an advantage. And the small farms they probably would be more likely to produce organic crops and other crops that have more value added. And they could specialize in those types of crops in order to survive. But I think it is an issue that as labor gets more expensive, and the robotic technology is also expensive, itll be harder for the small farms to compete.
Adams: Labor shortages in the agricultural sector have been an issue for some time now. And I wonder how that is affecting the urgency of this push to automation.
McCluskey: I think it definitely has affected the urgency. So as labor gets more expensive, we come closer to robotics that are essentially a backstop technology, so then its more expensive. But as the price of labor hits that backstop technology, it might actually be cheaper to invest in robotics for harvest. And at the same time, I think that it becomes a priority for research and development as labor becomes more expensive.
Adams: So with all this new technology, what happens to the workers who remain?
McCluskey: I think in the future, there will be less need for agricultural workers the traditional work that they did of harvesting crops, picking crops. So we would hope that some of those people would be trained to run some of the machinery. They would be trained to do work that is more satisfying and socially sustainable.
Adams: How important is sustainability in the development of all this technology in agriculture?
McCluskey: I think sustainability really drives the use of technology in agriculture. So the use of technology will help producers be more sustainable in their use of water, which is such a difficult problem that were facing as a society, and also be sustainable in terms of workers so that they will need fewer workers to do the really hard and dangerous tasks.
The rest is here:
From farm to fork, thanks to ... AI and robots? - Marketplace
- These flying origami-inspired robots change shape in mid-air - Engadget - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- Industrial Robotics Market Size To Reach USD 94.8 Billion By 2032 ... - GlobeNewswire - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- ForwardX Robotics and DHL Collaborate To support Expansion - PR Newswire - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- Dexterity AI and FedEx Unveil First-of-its-Kind Robotics Trailer ... - Robotics Tomorrow - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- Newton High Schools Team Aperture attends super bowl of robotics - New Jersey Education Association - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- Exoskeleton Report eMagazine: The Latest in Wearable Robotics ... - Exoskeleton Report - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- 12.5m for robotics and automation to boost sustainable farming - GOV.UK - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- Robotics As A Service (RaaS) Market size to increase by USD 1.50 ... - PR Newswire - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- Learn how to create socially intelligent robots at RoboBusiness - Robot Report - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- Monument Health Welcomes Two New Robotics-Trained General ... - Newscenter1.tv - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- 3D-Printed Robotic Gripper Works Without Electronics - Design News - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- WVU Today | WVU researcher to help send swarm of marine robots ... - WVU Today - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- Using robotics & AI to reduce water - Times of India - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- We need a new social contract for the coming golden age of robotics - Big Think - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- The Intersection of Autonomous Robotics and Solar Panel Cleaning ... - EnergyPortal.eu - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- RoboCat: Google DeepMind's innovative leap into AI-powered ... - The Jerusalem Post - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- Seen at HIMSS: the latest innovations in artificial intelligence, mixed ... - Kevin MD - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- KEENON Robotics Empowers Future of Hotel Experiences as ... - PR Newswire - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- Brief Overview of Investing in Robotics in 2023 - Analytics Insight - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- Greek post office makes further commitment to Robotics parcel ... - Post and Parcel - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- Robotic glove that 'feels' lends a 'hand' to relearn playing piano after ... - Science Daily - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- 'Bionic professor' aims to transform the field of wearable robotics - University of Toronto - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- The Advantages of Adopting Robotics for Energy Infrastructure ... - EnergyPortal.eu - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- Upskill with course in robotics, IS handler told terrorists: NIA - Times of India - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- Saving the World's Coral Reefs with AI and Robotics - TriplePundit - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- How To Learn Robotics and Coding - StartupGuys.net - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- Transformative Impact of Robotics in the Healthcare Industry - Analytics Insight - June 4th, 2023 [June 4th, 2023]
- Implementing robotics could improve workplace safety, report says - HR Dive - June 4th, 2023 [June 4th, 2023]
- Rise of the machines: What will drive adoption of robotics and ... - AgFunderNews - June 4th, 2023 [June 4th, 2023]
- Robotics investments top $1.63B in April 2023 - Robot Report - June 4th, 2023 [June 4th, 2023]
- We are pleased to announce our 3rd Reddit Robotics Showcase! - Robohub - June 4th, 2023 [June 4th, 2023]
- Jersey City's Oishii partners with robotics company to bring ... - ROI-NJ.com - June 4th, 2023 [June 4th, 2023]
- New Dog, New Tricks: Reflections on Construction, Robotics, and ... - Archinect - June 4th, 2023 [June 4th, 2023]
- Underwater robots for operations in challenging and dangerous ... - Inceptive Mind - June 4th, 2023 [June 4th, 2023]
- NVIDIA Brings Advanced Autonomy to Mobile Robots With Isaac AMR - Nvidia - June 4th, 2023 [June 4th, 2023]
- Robotic assisted surgery now available at Northeast Regional ... - Kirksville Daily Express and Daily News - June 4th, 2023 [June 4th, 2023]
- Robotic hand offers innovative nuclear solution : Waste & Recycling - World Nuclear News - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]
- Hy-Tek Intralogistics and Hai Robotics Announce Partnership ... - Robotics Tomorrow - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]
- UNA dubbed new home to BEST Robotics Competition - WHNT News 19 - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]
- Serve Robotics to deploy up to 2000 delivery bots on Uber Eats - Supply Chain Dive - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]
- Amazon executive joins Medtronic to spearhead development in ... - Vascular News - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]
- Armach Robotics' To Showcase Their Novel Hull Cleaning Solution ... - Marine Insight - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]
- AMP Robotics breaks in Colorado headquarters as it eyes future ... - Waste Dive - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]
- West Linn robotics team 2B Determined learns to lead and change ... - West Linn Tidings - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]
- No Longer a 'Titan' in Surgical Robotics - Medical Device and Diagnostics Industry - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]
- PERRONE ROBOTICS UNVEILS GROUNDBREAKING FUSION OF ... - PR Newswire - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]
- uWare robotics map what lies beneath the ocean with its ... - Tech.eu - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]
- Secretary of State's opening speech at Robotics and Automation ... - GOV.UK - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]
- Mukilteo Robotics team Modulo reflects on their World ... - Lynnwood Times - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]
- ROBO A Buy Amid Robotics Optimism And Ongoing Re-Shoring ... - Seeking Alpha - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]
- Prosthetic hand adapted for robotic use in nuclear environments - Professional Engineering - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]
- Industry news roundup: SiteOne partners with Automated Outdoor ... - Total Landscape Care - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]
- Orbbec: Revolutionizing AI and Robotics with Advanced Vision ... - PR Newswire - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]
- Crown Point Robotics Have Another Great Season - NWI.Life - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]
- Could more landscape maintenance robots be put to work? - Midland Reporter-Telegram - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]
- Automate 2023 analysis: Simplicity and speed will further robotics ... - Modern Materials Handling - June 2nd, 2023 [June 2nd, 2023]
- Spider-like robotic AI arms can be attached to and controlled by humans - Interesting Engineering - May 10th, 2023 [May 10th, 2023]
- Surgical robotics startup Momentis cutting 60% of team one year after $1 billion SPAC fell through - CTech - May 10th, 2023 [May 10th, 2023]
- OSU to lead robotics research by making standardized robots ... - KEZI TV - May 10th, 2023 [May 10th, 2023]
- DroneUp partners with Wonder Robotics to scale drone delivery - DroneDJ - May 10th, 2023 [May 10th, 2023]
- An interview with Jian Zhang, founder of robotics company Noah ... - VatorNews - May 10th, 2023 [May 10th, 2023]
- DHL Supply Chain expands global partnership with Locus Robotics ... - Modern Materials Handling - May 10th, 2023 [May 10th, 2023]
- Hyderabad to host global robotics summit in July - BusinessLine - May 10th, 2023 [May 10th, 2023]
- Amp Robotics receives financing from Microsoft Climate Innovation ... - Waste Today Magazine - May 10th, 2023 [May 10th, 2023]
- Plus One Robotics Utilizes Yaskawa Motoman to Expand Its ... - Robotics Tomorrow - May 10th, 2023 [May 10th, 2023]
- Poly High robotics team made it to world championships in Houston - Long Beach Press Telegram - May 10th, 2023 [May 10th, 2023]
- McGuffey robotics team heads to nationals | News, Sports, Jobs - Warren Tribune Chronicle - May 10th, 2023 [May 10th, 2023]
- ATU robotics reaches world championship top 16 SWARK Today - SWARK Today - May 10th, 2023 [May 10th, 2023]
- Students on RUSD robotics team learn technical skills, collaboration - Journal Times - May 10th, 2023 [May 10th, 2023]
- Falmouth/Gorham robotics team takes a top design award - Press Herald - May 10th, 2023 [May 10th, 2023]
- Origami Robotics: Scientists Push the Boundaries of Autonomous ... - SciTechDaily - May 10th, 2023 [May 10th, 2023]
- SpartanNash Strengthens Customer-Centric Innovation with ... - PR Newswire - May 10th, 2023 [May 10th, 2023]
- Torc Robotics, C.R. England to pilot autonomous trucks - CCJ - May 10th, 2023 [May 10th, 2023]
- ABB to showcase next generation robotic technologies at Automate ... - Robotics Tomorrow - May 10th, 2023 [May 10th, 2023]
- Robotics Event Is True Team Effort | News, Sports, Jobs - Wheeling Intelligencer - May 10th, 2023 [May 10th, 2023]
- Robotics tested at rice paddies with eye on full automation | The ... - - May 10th, 2023 [May 10th, 2023]
- Buffett and Munger Talk AI, Robotics, and More at Berkshire ... - The Motley Fool - May 10th, 2023 [May 10th, 2023]
- VEX Robotics team places in top 10 at international competition - Rochester Institute of Technology - May 10th, 2023 [May 10th, 2023]
- Beverly students win top prize in world robotics competition - The Boston Globe - May 10th, 2023 [May 10th, 2023]
- Kodiak Robotics introduces first-ever autonomous electric class 8 truck - Electrikez - May 10th, 2023 [May 10th, 2023]