Autonomous tractors, robot milkers - How AI is transforming the future of farm tech
Paul Young
Experience Senior Financial Planning, Analysis and Reporting SME seeking P/T or F/T job.
“Farmers are already up against an impossible challenge: feeding a growing population – with less land, resources and labor – all while trying to turn a profit within slim margins,” said Praveen Penmetsa , co-founder and CEO of Monarch Tractor , which makes autonomous, electric tractors. “By automating some of the time-intensive, mundane farming operations, robotic and digital solutions … can help increase labor productivity.”
More farms are poised to embrace automation in 2024 and beyond to lessen the burden of rising labor costs and an aging workforce. Robots can work longer hours than humans, and can also withstand higher outdoor temperatures, which is becoming more important in the age of climate change.
More than half of corn, soybean, cotton and winter wheat acres are now managed through auto-steer and guidance systems, the USDA reported. And autonomy is also gaining traction among livestock operations.
In dairy farming, autonomous milkers offer new ways to lower labor costs while streamlining the production process. Designed for maintaining hygienic conditions, the tech can minimize contamination risks and save substantial time by milking multiple cows at once.
“These machines have become increasingly popular in modern dairy farming due to their efficiency and ability to optimize the milking process,” said Tiago Bresolin , assistant professor of animal science at the 美国伊利诺伊大学香槟分校
In many cases, smart equipment can provide much-needed insight into how to best use resources to save costs, boost sustainability or even adapt to the impacts of climate change.
In the livestock industry, artificial intelligence can be used to monitor animal welfare and productivity. Alterations in behavior or eating habits can serve as early signals of potential sickness, enabling swift intervention.
领英推荐
“AI algorithms process large datasets, including environmental conditions, historical health records, and genetic information, to predict disease outbreaks, fertility cycles, and optimal breeding times,” said Bresolin. “This helps farmers make informed decisions and implement preventive measures.”
Paul Young is a former IBM Customer Success Manager that has deployed over 300 data and AI solutions across geographies and industries for the past 8 years. Paul is an expert on ESG reporting including the data journey as part of pushing out the SDG metrics across organizations and industries.
Blog - Agriculture Equipment and Farming Sector Analysis and Commentary - January 2024? - https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/agriculture-equipment-farming-sector-analysis-commentary-paul-young-4149c/
?
Blog – Top 5 Trends for AG Tech heading in 2024 - https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/five-predictions-food-agtech-2024-paul-young-2ywtc/
?