| On Topic
robotic perception, learning and
action are already reaching the
required level of maturity to leave
research laboratories. So what
steps need to be taken to
transition from lab to work on the
farm or in the factory?
“The big challenge now is how
to cross the so called ‘Valley of
Death’ between the development
of useful prototypes by
researchers and the mass
production of agricultural robots
which are available to the farmer, “
he says. “We need investors to
come forward and believe in what
we are doing. There is also a need
to convince farmers that we can
produce robust and effective
machines that can really do the
job.”
Dr Rosendo agrees that it is
important to cultivate a greater
understanding between all parties:
“It is often said that academics are
www.farmingmonthly.co.uk
only interested in publishing
papers, but the research can
provide competitive advantage for
early adopters. We are interested
in talking to companies that see a
more strategic benefit in
developing potentially disruptive
technologies.”
Despite all these exciting
advances, Prof Duckett believes
that full automation is “not
necessarily desirable”, and instead
sees a future of environmentally
friendly ‘robot helpers’:
“Robot helpers will increase the
productivity and life quality of
agricultural workers and help to
deliver the sustainable
intensification of agriculture that
will be needed to help feed a
growing population while
minimising the impact on the
environment. Smart robots that run
on battery power rather than fossil
fuels could also be part of the
solution for a cleaner, greener
future.”
Dr Belinda Clarke, Director of
Agri-Tech East, says:
“We now have the capability to
use robotics efficiently in
agriculture; this is no longer a sci-fi
concept, but one rooted in reality.
The current status and latest
technological developments will
be discussed at the upcoming
Pollinator meeting.”
Professor Duckett, Dr Rosendo
and Professor Simon Blackmore of
Harper Adams University are
scheduled to speak at the AgriTech East ‘Pollinator’ event in
Cambridge on 11 October 2016:
'Robo-Cropping – The Potential for
Precision Robotics in Agriculture'.
August 2016 | Farming Monthly | 11