Robotics could improve agricultural competitiveness

If Australia is to become the ‘food bowl’ of Asia, the agriculture industry needs to regain its competitive edge. One answer to this, according to a University of Sydney professor, is robotics.

Professor Salah Sukkarieh, director of research and innovation at the Australian Centre for Field Robotics, addressed Australia’s Annual Growth Summit with a presentation entitled ‘Technology and Innovation: Our Newest Agriculture Export’.

A declining labour force and outdated technology could impede Australia’s ability to meet the growing demand for fresh produce from Asia, Professor Sukkarieh said.

“This is where automation can help. We can use it to increase efficiency and yield by having many of the manual tasks of farming performed by specially designed agricultural robotic devices.

“The robots can collect vital information, estimate yield and identify pests, weeds and diseases. The units can be controlled or monitored remotely by farmers using an iPad or phone.”

Robots like ‘Shrimp’ (pictured) may increase efficiency and yield by performing many of the manual tasks of farming. Image: University of Sydney.

Professor Sukkarieh’s research team is refining the ability of robots to perform operational tasks, such as applying fertilisers and pesticides, watering, sweeping and mowing.

The team’s aim is to develop and apply automated agricultural robotic systems to benefit both growers and consumers, says Mark Calleija, a research engineer at Sydney University.

“In the next phase we will be developing algorithms that will enable robotic devices to conduct pest management patrols and carry out harvesting,” Calleija said.