Robotic Farm Equipment Ethan Wyatt Soil 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 Less labor needed 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

Examples Autonomous peat moss harvester John Deere prototype tractor Robotic weed scouter Futuristic model of combine

How Robotic Equipment Works LiDAR unit is mounted on hood of machinery. LiDAR unit is wired to a computer that sends any alerts to the in-cab computer. 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?