Robotic Farm Equipment

Ethan WyattSoil 4213

Source: Farmer’s Guardian.com

The Future of Ag. Equipment

• http://youtu.be/EOFNjKUbOgg

Overview

• Benefits of Robotic Equipment

• Disadvantages of Robotic Equipment

• Examples of Robotic Equipment

• How Robotic Equipment Works

• Conclusions

Benefits

• Reduced human error– Most important benefit– 26 to 50 deaths per 100,000

people due to machinery– More uniform stands, less

overlap– Less downtime repairing

machines– Higher knowledge of field

conditions

Source: Roadtransport.com

Benefits Cont.

• More productivity– No operator’s fatigue– More run time (day and night)

• Less labor needed– Improved production profits– Decreased dependence on unskilled workers

• Lighter carbon footprint – Reduced equipment size– Higher fuel efficiency

Disadvantages

• GPS dependent

• Electrical malfunctions

• Public disapproval

• Farming Tradition Loss

ExamplesAutonomous peat moss harvester John Deere prototype tractor

Robotic weed scouter Futuristic model of combine

How Robotic Equipment Works1. LiDAR unit is mounted on hood of

machinery.2. LiDAR unit is wired to a computer

that sends any alerts to the in-cab computer.

3. LiDAR unit can send wireless messages to a cell phone or computer to alert the farm manager.

LiDAR unit can detect crop height changes, field wash outs, surface water, livestock and wildlife, and other obstacles.

Conclusions

• Robotic farm equipment has a future in production agricultural.

• Robotic farm equipment has a better fit in high value crops such as vegetables and fruits, but will eventually be used in grain and fiber crops when the costs of the technology decrease.

Questions?