1. Robotic Farm Equipment
Ethan Wyatt
Soil 4213
Source: Farmer’s Guardian.com

2. The Future of Ag. Equipment

3. Overview Benefits of Robotic Equipment
Disadvantages of Robotic Equipment
Examples of Robotic Equipment
How Robotic Equipment Works
Conclusions

4. 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

5. 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

6. Disadvantages GPS dependent Electrical malfunctions Public disapproval
Farming Tradition Loss

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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Questions?