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Robotics and Automation in Modern Agricultural Practices

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DOI: 10.15515/abr.0976-4585.15.5.5560

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Advances in Bioresearch
Adv. Biores., Vol 15 (5) September 2024: 55-60
©2024 Society of Education, India
Advances
Print ISSN 0976-4585; Online ISSN 2277-1573
Journal’s URL:http://www.soeagra.com/abr.html
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CODEN: ABRDC3
DOI: 10.15515/abr.0976-4585.15.5.5560
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Robotics and Automation in Modern Agricultural Practices

Gaurav1, Mohd Ashaq2*, Yogendra Kumar Jyoti3, Nikita Mishra4, Anjali Dutt5, Pooja Gupta6
1Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture Science, Udai Pratap College, Varanasi, India
2* Department of Botany, Govt. Degree College, Thanamandi, Jammu and Kashmir, India
3 Processing and food engineering, CAET, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
4 Department of Agriculture Engineering, KVK Aurangabad, Bihar, India.
5 Department of Botany, MMH College, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201001, India
6 Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, India.
*Corresponding Author

ABSTRACT
The agricultural industry has witnessed significant advancements in recent years, with robotics and automation playing
a crucial role in revolutionizing modern farming practices. This article explores the impact of these technologies on
agriculture worldwide, with a specific focus on Asia and India. Integrating robotics and automation in agriculture has
led to increased efficiency, precision, and productivity while reducing labor costs and minimizing the environmental
impact of farming. Automated systems, such as autonomous tractors, drones, and robotic harvesters, have enabled
farmers to optimize crop management, improve resource utilization, and enhance crop quality. In Asia, countries like
China, Japan, and South Korea have been at the forefront of adopting agricultural robotics, driven by the need to address
labor shortages and increase food production. India, with its vast agricultural sector, has also recognized the potential of
these technologies and has initiated various projects and initiatives to promote their adoption. However, implementing
robotics and automation in agriculture faces challenges, including high initial costs, technical complexities, and the need
for skilled operators. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the current state of agricultural robotics and
automation, discussing their applications, benefits, and limitations. It also highlights the prospects of these technologies
and their potential to transform the agricultural landscape in the coming years. By embracing robotics and automation,
the agricultural industry can address the growing demand for food, ensure sustainable farming practices, and contribute
to the overall growth and development of the sector.
Keywords: Agricultural robotics, automation, precision agriculture, crop management, sustainable farming

Received 14.04.2024 Revised 20.05.2024 Accepted 24.07.2024

How to cite this article:
Gaurav, Mohd A, Yogendra K J, Nikita M, Anjali D, Pooja G. Robotics and Automation in Modern Agricultural Practices.
Adv. Biores. Vol 15 [5] September 2024. 55-60

INTRODUCTION
The agricultural industry has undergone significant transformations over the past few decades, with the
advent of robotics and automation playing a pivotal role in reshaping modern farming practices. As the
world population continues to grow, the demand for efficient and sustainable food production has
become increasingly critical. Robotics and automation have emerged as powerful tools to address the
challenges faced by the agricultural sector, offering innovative solutions to optimize crop yield, reduce
labor costs, and minimize the environmental impact of farming [1].

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE ON AGRICULTURAL ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION

Overview of Agricultural Robotics and Automation Agricultural robotics and automation encompass a
wide range of technologies designed to streamline and optimize various farming processes. These
technologies include autonomous tractors, drones, robotic harvesters, precision spraying systems, and
automated irrigation systems [2]. The primary goal of these technologies is to enhance efficiency, reduce
labor costs, and improve the overall quality and yield of crops.
Adoption of Robotics and Automation in Developed Countries Developed countries, such as the
United States, Canada, and European nations, have been at the forefront of adopting agricultural robotics

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and automation. These countries have invested heavily in research and development, leading to the
creation of advanced technologies that have revolutionized farming practices [3]. For example, in the
United States, the use of precision agriculture techniques, such as GPS-guided tractors and variable rate
application of inputs, has become increasingly common [4].
Table 1: Adoption of Agricultural Robotics and Automation in Developed Countries
Country Autonomous Tractors Drones Robotic Harvesters Precision Spraying
USA High High Moderate High
Canada High High Moderate High
Germany High High Moderate High
France High High Moderate High
UK High High Moderate High
Australia High High Moderate High
Japan High High High High
South Korea High High High High
Netherlands High High Moderate High
Spain High High Moderate High
Benefits of Agricultural Robotics and Automation The adoption of robotics and automation in
agriculture has led to numerous benefits, including:
 Increased efficiency and productivity
 Reduced labor costs
 Improved crop quality and yield
 Optimized resource utilization (water, fertilizers, pesticides)
 Minimized environmental impact
 Enhanced precision in farming operations

Figure 1: Benefits of Agricultural Robotics and Automation

Challenges and Limitations Despite the numerous benefits, the implementation of agricultural
robotics and automation faces several challenges and limitations:
 High initial costs of technology adoption
 Technical complexities and the need for skilled operators
 Lack of standardization and interoperability among different systems
 Concerns regarding data privacy and security

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  Resistance to change among traditional farmers
Agricultural Robotics and Automation in Asia
Overview of Agriculture in Asia
Asia is home to a significant portion of the world's population and is a major contributor to global
agricultural production. Countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea have large agricultural sectors
that play a crucial role in their economies [5]. However, the region faces numerous challenges, including
limited arable land, increasing labor costs, and the need to feed a growing population.
Adoption of Robotics and Automation in Asian Countries
Several Asian countries have recognized the potential of robotics and automation in addressing the
challenges faced by their agricultural sectors. China, Japan, and South Korea have been at the forefront of
adopting these technologies, driven by the need to increase productivity and efficiency in farming
operations [6].

Table 2: Adoption of Agricultural Robotics and Automation in Asian Countries

Country Autonomous Tractors Drones Robotic Harvesters Precision Spraying
China Moderate High Moderate High
Japan High High High High
South Korea High High High High
India Low Moderate Low Moderate
Indonesia Low Moderate Low Moderate
Thailand Low Moderate Low Moderate
Vietnam Low Moderate Low Moderate
Philippines Low Moderate Low Moderate
Malaysia Low Moderate Low Moderate
Taiwan Moderate High Moderate High

Case Studies of Successful Implementation

Several Asian countries have successfully implemented robotics and automation in their agricultural
sectors, leading to significant improvements in productivity and efficiency.
Japan: Robot-Assisted Farming Japan has been a pioneer in the development and adoption of agricultural
robots. The country has introduced various robots, such as the "Agri Robot" for harvesting strawberries
and the "Rice-Planting Robot" for transplanting rice seedlings [7]. These robots have helped farmers
overcome labor shortages and improve the efficiency of farming operations.
China: Drone-Based Crop Monitoring China has extensively used drones for crop monitoring and
precision agriculture. Drones equipped with cameras and sensors can collect data on crop health, soil
conditions, and pest infestations, enabling farmers to make informed decisions and optimize resource
utilization [8].
Challenges and Opportunities in Asia
Despite the successful implementation of robotics and automation in some Asian countries, the region
still faces challenges in widespread adoption. These challenges include:
 High costs of technology adoption
 Lack of technical expertise and trained personnel
 Fragmented land holdings and small-scale farming
 Inadequate infrastructure and support systems
Agricultural Robotics and Automation in India
Overview of Indian Agriculture
India is an agrarian economy, with agriculture contributing significantly to the country's GDP and
employing a large portion of the population. However, Indian agriculture faces numerous challenges,
including low productivity, fragmented land holdings, and dependence on monsoons [9].
Current State of Robotics and Automation in Indian Agriculture
The adoption of robotics and automation in Indian agriculture is still in its nascent stages. However, the
government and private sector have recognized the potential of these technologies and have initiated
various projects and initiatives to promote their adoption [10].

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 Table 3: Examples of Agricultural Robotics and Automation Projects in India
Project/Initiative Description Organization
Kisan Drone Drone-based crop monitoring and spraying Garuda Aerospace
Fasal AI-based crop intelligence platform Fasal
Tartan Sense Robotic weed management system Tartan Sense
Mitra Autonomous agricultural robot Mitra Agro Equipments
FarmERP Farm management software FarmERP
Agnext AI-based quality assessment of agricultural produce Agnext Technologies
CropIn AI-driven farm management platform CropIn Technology
Aibono AI-powered precision farming system Aibono
BharatRohan Drone-based crop monitoring and yield estimation BharatRohan Airborne Innovations
Intello Labs AI-based quality assessment of agricultural commodities Intello Labs

Government Initiatives and Policies

The Indian government has introduced various initiatives and policies to promote the adoption of
robotics and automation in agriculture. Some of these initiatives include:
 National Agriculture Market (eNAM): An online platform for farmers to sell their produce directly
to buyers [11]
 Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme: Provides credit to farmers for purchasing agricultural inputs
and equipment [12]
 National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET): Aims to promote the
adoption of modern technologies in agriculture [13]
Challenges and Opportunities
The adoption of robotics and automation in Indian agriculture faces several challenges, including:
 High costs of technology adoption
 Lack of awareness and technical expertise among farmers
 Inadequate infrastructure and support systems
 Fragmented land holdings and small-scale farming
However, the increasing demand for food, the need to improve agricultural productivity, and the
government's focus on promoting technology adoption present significant opportunities for the growth of
agricultural robotics and automation in India.
Future Prospects and Trends
Precision Agriculture Precision agriculture, which involves the use of advanced technologies to optimize
crop management and resource utilization, is expected to gain more prominence in the coming years. The
integration of robotics, automation, and data analytics will enable farmers to make data-driven decisions
and implement precision farming techniques [14].

Figure 2: Components of Precision Agriculture

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Autonomous Farming
The development of fully autonomous farming systems, where robots and automated machines perform
all the farming operations without human intervention, is a long-term goal for the agricultural industry.
While complete autonomy may still be a distant reality, the increasing adoption of autonomous tractors,
drones, and robotic harvesters is paving the way for a more automated future [15].
Table 4: Projected Global Market Size of Agricultural Robots (in USD Billion)
Year Market Size
2020 4.6
2021 5.4
2022 6.3
2023 7.4
2024 8.7
2025 10.2
2026 12.0
2027 14.1
2028 16.6
2029 19.5
Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
The integration of AI and ML in agricultural robotics and automation is expected to revolutionize farming
practices. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data collected by sensors and drones to provide
insights on crop health, pest infestations, and resource optimization [16]. ML models can continuously
learn and adapt to changing conditions, enabling more accurate predictions and decision-making.
Collaborative Robots (Cobots)
Collaborative robots, or cobots, are designed to work alongside human workers, assisting them in various
farming tasks. Cobots can enhance productivity and reduce the physical strain on farmers, especially in
labor-intensive operations like harvesting and pruning [17]. The development of more advanced and
affordable cobots is expected to drive their adoption in the agricultural sector.

CONCLUSION
The integration of robotics and automation in modern agricultural practices has the potential to
revolutionize the way we produce food. These technologies offer numerous benefits, including increased
efficiency, precision, and productivity, while reducing labor costs and minimizing the environmental
impact of farming.The adoption of agricultural robotics and automation varies across different regions,
with developed countries and some Asian nations leading the way. India, with its vast agricultural sector,
has recognized the potential of these technologies and has initiated various projects and initiatives to
promote their adoption.
However, the implementation of robotics and automation in agriculture faces challenges, such as high
initial costs, technical complexities, and the need for skilled operators. Addressing these challenges and
creating an enabling environment for technology adoption is crucial for realizing the full potential of
agricultural robotics and automation. As we look towards the future, trends such as precision agriculture,
autonomous farming, AI integration, and collaborative robots are expected to shape the agricultural
landscape. By embracing these technologies and leveraging their potential, the agricultural industry can
address the growing demand for food, ensure sustainable farming practices, and contribute to the overall
growth and development of the sector.

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Copyright: © 2024 Author. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution
License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is
properly cited.

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