How advanced motion systems are helping robots tackle farming
CONTROL & AUTOMATION AGRI-ROBOTICS INNOVATION
EMS
How advanced motion systems are helping robots tackle farming
UK farming is undergoing a quiet revolution. Labour shortages, sustainability pressures and a growing demand for precision agriculture are pushing farms toward automation. Autonomous robots are stepping in to support tasks from seeding to harvesting, promising higher efficiency and lower environmental impact. Operating reliably outdoors, however, brings unique engineering challenges, as Dave Walsha, sales and marketing director at drive system supplier Electro Mechanical Systems( EMS), explains.
Unlike industrial robots, agricultural robots are required to perform tasks in unpredictable and extreme environments. Inconsistent terrain, mud, dust, rain and extreme temperatures are always a challenge to mechanical devices. Even small variations in the mechanical motion of the robot may have a significant impact on crop yields or quality. For example, the depth of the planted crop may be affected by a few millimetres of variation and the alignment of the crop during the harvesting process may be critical to the quality of the crop. Initiatives such as the Agri-Robotics Regulatory Network( ARRNET) are addressing these challenges by providing guidance, testing environments and regulatory support. But at the same time, the UK’ s farming workforce is ageing. According to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, as of 2025“ 40 per cent of principal farmers and holders in England were aged 65 or older”, while around 15 per cent were under 45.
With ARRNET lowering barriers to deployment and the workforce ageing, the priority is to field agri robots that run reliably across seasons and reduce labour dependence at time critical moments such as harvest.
The core of agri-robotics
At the heart of every agricultural robot is its motion system. Motors, gearboxes and actuators translate electrical energy into controlled movement, allowing robots to navigate fields, deploy tools and interact precisely with crops.
Rather than focusing purely on individual motor specifications, engineers must evaluate how entire motion systems perform under real operating conditions. Torque, speed, duty cycle and load handling must align with the robot’ s tasks, which could vary from navigating narrow crop rows, adjusting sensor positions or controlling robotic arms during harvesting.
Advanced motion systems enable smooth, repeatable movement despite environmental stressors. This consistency is critical for maintaining accuracy, reducing mechanical wear and minimising downtime, which can directly impact productivity and operating costs.
Translating power into precision
The gearbox and actuators are crucial to efficient and reliable motor control. The quality of the gearbox is important since it reduces mechanical stress, which is essential for efficient continuous use. The linear actuators, on the other hand, provide the robot with the ability to control depth of planting, irrigation and tools.
50 PECM Issue 80