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NATIONAL RURAL ISSUES
Transformative technologies
A fact sheet series on new and emerging transformative technologies in Australian agriculture
Robots
� Robots have the potential to increase farm productivity by increasing the efficiency of labour and inputs, therefore reducing costs of production.
� Robots may change farming techniques and the skills required for a career in agriculture.
� Food production may become automated, from the paddock to the plate.
� Most novel robotic applications in agriculture are at proof of concept stage, and costs and performance have not been predicted at a commercial scale of adoption.
� Operating standards and regulations are not currently in place to support commercial application of some types of robots.
Snapshot
Robots are machines that operate autonomously, remotely and intelligently. They generally carry out tasks that are repetitive, dangerous or require high levels of speed and precision. Already common in some primary industries, robots have the potential to address agricultural productivity and labour shortages.
While there is some debate over a formal definition, it is generally accepted that robots can
be programmed to collect and process data, operate autonomously (to a degree), sense and
respond to their surroundings and move themselves or their parts around their environment.
Robots are generally characterised as ground-based or aerial machines, however some virtual
(internet-based) software programs are called “bots” because they undertake repetitive and
automated tasks at high speed, such as chat bots and internet game bots. Robots that have
been collectively programmed to operate cooperatively are known as swarm bots.
Robotic activity is normally planned and controlled by an operator, even if remotely or through
a computer program. For a robot to be classified as intelligent, it will have the ability to carry
out its tasks in an unstructured environment where decisions and actions are based on a form
of artificial intelligence or machine learning.
Robotic applications are constantly applied to new machine types and structures but the main
categories of robots are:
� stationary robots
� wheeled robots
� aerial robots
� legged robots.
Photo - University of Sydney
A fact sheet series on new and emerging
transformative technologies in Australian agriculture
Agricultural applications
Using machines to increase productivity is not new in Australian primary industries, with many industries being mechanised along the supply chain. The introduction of robots has the potential to further improve productivity through supplementing or enhancing human activities.
Rio Tinto’s Pilbara iron ore operations in Western Australia use 69 autonomous ore trucks controlled by
technicians 1200 kilometres away in Perth. Rio Tinto is trialling driverless trains and robotic drills with the
ultimate goal of an automated mine, from the pit to the port, managed from Perth.
Patrick’s Botany Bay wharf in Sydney uses 45 automated straddles (AutoStradsTM) to manage the stevedoring
tasks previously undertaken by a human workforce. Using a radar-based navigation system, AutoStrads move
shipping containers around the wharf, loading them into stacks and on to trucks.
An element of automation already exists in many areas of agriculture. Precision agriculture, autosteer and
controlled traffic farming are technologies enabled by global positioning systems (GPS). Robots are the next
step, using these and other new technologies in combination with remotely-sensed data, to support new levels
of decision making and assume some traditional farmer roles.
Addressing labour shortagesAutomated or robotic milking systems address the twin challenges faced by dairy farmers of labour intensity
and labour shortages. Automation reduces the need for people to be present during milking, providing
additional time and flexibility to focus on other areas of farm management.
Robotic milking systems use sensors and a camera or laser-guided milking cups to guide a robotic arm to the
udder, clean the teats and attach milking cups. When milking is complete the cups are removed automatically.
Additionally, each cow may be fitted with a transponder, which registers the animal as it enters the dairy and
collects data enabling milk production, milk quality and herd health to be monitored.
In Europe, manufacturers of automatic milking systems predict that by 2025 almost half of the herds in leading
dairy countries, such as Denmark and the Netherlands, will be milked by robots. Robotic dairies, with varying
levels of automation, have been available commercially in Australia since 2001. However, Dairy Australia believes
adoption has been slow due to a lack of long-term performance information about robotic dairies in Australian
pasture-based systems. While the cost of installing a robotic dairy is similar to installing a conventional dairy, the
outlay remains significant and likely not warranted if an existing dairy is still functional and suited to the scale of
the farming operation.
Quad bikes, cattle dogs or feed-based rewards are the usual methods to herd cattle, but a herding robot could
be the way of the future. The Australian Centre for Field Robotics, at the University of Sydney, first tested a
prototype robot, nick-named Rover, on dairy herds in 2013. The robot uses LiDAR (technology based on the
principle of radar but using light from a laser) to detect the cows and GPS to track movement. Herding robots
have the potential to reduce labour requirements in the field and improve animal welfare by moving livestock
at a consistent and appropriate pace.
Another University of Sydney farm trial is assessing a herding robot that monitors animal and pasture health.
Using thermal and vision sensors, the robot will be trained to identify injured or sick animals by body
temperature and gait, as well as using colour, texture and shape sensors to monitor ground cover.
Reducing input costsUniversity of Sydney’s RIPPA (Robot for Intelligent Perception and Precision Application) uses GPS and
sensors and Queensland University of Technology’s AgBot II uses robotic vision to identify weeds in broadacre
crops. The robots autonomously and directly apply herbicide to detected weeds. SwarmFarm Robotics has
demonstrated three autonomous robots that work cooperatively to undertake weed control on a wheat farm
near Emerald in Queensland. Queensland University of Technology believes robots could reduce the weed
management costs, such as energy, labour and chemicals, by up to 90%. The next step in robotic technology
in field crops is to develop robots for fertilising, thinning and harvesting.
Photo - University of Sydney
3
Transformative technologies
Robots
Trials by the University of Sydney may contribute to the development of fruit picking robots. Two robots,
nick-named Mantis and Shrimp, worked concurrently on either side of fruit trees using cameras, lasers and
software to identify flowers and fruit, gathering data to estimate yield. The robots also determined patterns in
yield variation, guiding the planting of more pollination trees to raise crop productivity.
Queensland University of Technology is developing a capsicum picking robot, nick-named Harvey, that uses
robotic vision and an inbuilt camera system to create a 3D representation of the capsicum enabling a robotic
hand to grip the fruit and cut the stem.
Overseas, a wheeled robotic apple picker in Israel is claimed to harvest 10 times faster than humans.
A small, experimental spherical “hamster wheel” robot called a Rosphere, developed in Spain, will roll through
crops without the use of wheels or legs and collect data on soil composition, temperature and moisture,
and plant health.
Improving processing efficiencies A SunRice mill runs six high-speed autonomous production lines, which include robotic palletisers capable of
handling and packing almost 40 different rice products in a combination of bag sizes. The robots have earned
a 1–2 year return on investment, through increased throughput and operating efficiencies, as well as improved
worker safety by eliminating manual handling.
Robotic technology used in the processing of lamb carcasses, increases efficiency, worker safety and returns
to producers. An X-ray guided system called LEAP™ creates images of each lamb carcase, directing automated
machines and robots to slice the carcase with high levels of speed and accuracy, maximising meat yield.
In Japan, a new horticulture enterprise will be run entirely by robots, from seeding to harvest, in a 4800 square
metre protected cropping complex, producing a predicted 10 million lettuces per year.
Monitoring the landscapeAerial robots are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) customised with cameras or sensors for a wide range
of purposes. In Australia, farmers use UAVs to monitor livestock, pastures, water troughs and fence lines.
Commercial providers use UAVs to create NDVI (normalised difference vegetation index) images to guide crop
management and researchers use UAVs to detect crop or animal stress, and for soil and water management.
In the United States, examples of aerial robot use include monitoring potato crop stress, measuring plant
nursery inventory and aerial spraying for small or undulating farms, such as vineyards. Cherry producers are
also looking at UAVs to replace helicopters in providing downdraft to dry rain-affected fruit prior to harvest.
The University of New England’s SMART Farm is using UAVs to measure and record plant canopies and pasture
biomass to remotely calculate available feed, growth rates, and the water and nutrient status of plants.
UAVs are also well-suited to biosecurity surveillance in large, remote or difficult to access locations, enabling
identification of weeds, pests and diseases. Appropriately equipped UAVs could also autonomously treat and
manage threats. Being non-invasive, UAVs also reduce the risk of transmission of seeds and pathogens by
ground vehicles, footwear and clothing.
Photo - SunRice
A fact sheet series on new and emerging
transformative technologies in Australian agriculture
Robotic tractor is an extra pair of hands on the farm
Robotic tractors will be important members of the farm workforce in grain growing areas in 10–15 years’ time. As well as filling labour shortages, robotic tractors will collect data on crop growth and conditions to assist crop management decisions and improve farm productivity.
The issueWhen it comes to attracting labour, farmers in the
Australian rice industry face the same challenges as
their colleagues in most other agricultural industries.
The seasonal nature of the work and variable planting
conditions from year-to-year mean that employing
permanent or full-time staff is not a viable option for
many farmers. The very same issues can make it
difficult to attract staff at the peak work periods.
The millennium drought, which lasted for 14 years
in parts of southern New South Wales, saw the rice
industry’s production fall from an industry benchmark
of one million tonnes to 19,000 tonnes in 2008. As
a result, many skilled people left the region to find
employment.
After the break of the drought in 2010, as the industry
started to move back towards full production, the
critical lack of capable staff at all skill levels became
apparent. At a farm level, labour shortages limited
production capacity and the ability for individual
businesses to expand. At an industry level, lower than
optimum farm production constrained an industry that
historically generated over $4 billion annually. In 2016
these constraints remain apparent.
The technologyRice Research Australia Pty Ltd (RRAPL) is a 1830
hectare research facility near Jerilderie in southern
New South Wales. It was established to undertake
research and development on behalf of the rice
industry. As well as rice, RRAPL produces wheat,
canola and barley and runs beef cattle.
Manager of RRAPL, Russell Ford, said they were
always looking for the next technology to improve
on-farm efficiencies.
“Robotic tractors are the next logical step after
autosteer, to provide an additional level of precision
in farm operations.”
In 2016, RRAPL trialled a front-wheel assist, track-
driven Yanmar EG105 EcoTra self-steering tractor and
demonstrated that it could be used autonomously for
spraying, cultivation and fertiliser application, in both
dryland and irrigated paddocks. The robotic tractor
could guide machinery and carry out operations to
within three centimetres accuracy.
The tractor was equipped to collect crop data,
including canopy health and moisture status, as well
as stream data about its own functions, including fuel
consumption and engine temperature. This allowed
for the remote monitoring of real-time crop condition
and machinery status.
The tractor used at RRAPL was fitted with a satellite
receiver and guided by the Quasi-Zenith Satellite
System (QZSS) launched by Japan in 2010. By 2018,
QZSS will have four satellites in orbit, providing
Australian farmers with 24-hour satellite positioning
capability, without the need for ground-based
positioning stations or mobile phone networks.
Guided by ultrasonic sensors, the tractor operated
within a virtual boundary to ensure the safety of
people working nearby. The operators had access to a
‘kill switch’ to override the tractor if it operated outside
its parameters.
Robotic tractors address
labour shortages by
operating autonomously in
one paddock while farmers
work elsewhere on farm or
even while they sleep!
Photo - Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia
Transformative technologies
Robots
5
Transformative technologies
Robots
Case study
Contact detailsRussell Ford
Rice Research Australia Pty Ltd
T: 03 5886 1391
The benefitsRobotic tractors will take the pressure off farmers
struggling to find skilled staff and enable them to
get on with other jobs. There are clear safety benefits
for farmers not having to drive for excessive hours
during planting and harvest, to compensate for
labour shortages.
Russell believes that robotic tractors will also increase
on-farm efficiencies through enhancing existing
precision agriculture technologies.
“When commercially available, robotic tractors will
be more precise than human drivers, and more
importantly this accuracy will be repeatable. Robotic
tractors will turn at the end of rows perfectly, every
time. They will manage variable rate chemical
applications perfectly, every time.”
This means farmers save money on inputs while
improving crop health and productivity.
One clear benefit from using QZSS-guided tractors
is that global positioning doesn’t rely on a mobile
network.
“A mobile phone network to support precision
agriculture applications is not practical in some
areas. This system offers the potential to remove
that reliance on the mobile phone and in doing so,
removes a major barrier to adoption in Australia.”
Ultimately, the technology will be applied to all farm
machinery creating autonomous systems at a range
of scales that can operate continuously without
human intervention.
The futureBased on the promise shown in the trial,
Russell believes robotic tractors will be operating
commercially in Australia within 10 to 15 years,
but some adjustments will be required before
they become a standard feature on farms.
“The next step will be to improve the tractor’s ability
to better respond to remote safety sensors. Robotic
tractors will be ideal for crop monitoring using the
latest imaging devices.”
Once commercially available, Russell believes the
robotic tractors could be adopted quickly in the
rice industry.
“When the safety aspects of robotic tractors are
sorted, I think the Riverina’s long, straight and flat
paddocks will provide ease of operation, and robotic
tractors will appeal to a number of farmers.”
Robotic tractors guided by
GPS (via satellites) remove a
major barrier to adoption for
farmers in areas with limited
mobile phone services.
Photo - Rice Research Australia Pty Ltd
A fact sheet series on new and emerging
transformative technologies in Australian agriculture
Transforming agriculture
Robots have the potential to improve farmer decision-making, reduce input costs, lower the reliance on scarce human labour to undertake repetitive and precise tasks, and improve the lifestyle and safety of farming.
Robots can be used along the agricultural supply chain to enhance safety in hazardous work places
and improve production efficiencies. The impact of robots displacing the human workforce has been
questioned but for most agricultural and manufacturing industries, labour shortages are the key reason
for investing in robotics.
Skills and careersRobots will almost certainly change the business of farming. For example, farmers may spend more time
operating computers and analysing data than physically managing crops or livestock. Farmers may be required
to have additional expertise in maintaining robotic equipment and reasonably high levels of information
technology skills; and some low-skill labouring jobs may disappear.
The scale and pace at which Australian farmers will be able to benefit from the introduction of robotics will
depend on their existing rate of adoption of technology. Farmers who currently use semi or fully autonomous
technologies within their existing operations are likely to readily and quickly adopt emerging robotic technology.
Agronomists predict that their role will evolve into one that is more focused on interpreting multiple sources
of data to support decision-making, rather than inspecting farms in person.
Over time, robots will influence the skills needed to pursue a career in farming and agricultural industries.
Farm design and operationBeyond automation of existing practices is the need for Australian agricultural industries to consider how
automation will influence future farm design and operation.
Tree crop farmers are already planting trees, for example apples and almonds, on inclined trellises to
create ease of access for machinery between the rows, as well as for production benefits. This will support
autonomous robotic functions, as fruit can be accessed more easily when the tree grows on trellises and
tree height is contained. If robots are to be used in planting and harvesting operations, current paddock
and greenhouse layouts may need to be re-designed to facilitate their movement around the farm.
Most existing prototype on-farm robots are around the size of a small car, much smaller than agricultural
machinery currently used in planting, spraying and harvesting. The advent of smaller machines to undertake farm
work could see land currently considered too small or inaccessible put back into agricultural production. Pending
their price point, robots could maximise the existing productive capacity of land currently considered marginal or
uneconomical to farm, and provide farmers with additional cropping land or enable diversification options.
Smaller machines also provide farmers with an opportunity to scale their operations, allowing farmers reaching
retirement age to continue farming small areas of land autonomously and young farmers to scale up their
operations one paddock and one robot at a time. Smaller robots may also support positive environmental
outcomes through reducing the need for land clearing to reach economic scale, using less fuel (most
prototypes are trialling renewable energy) and reducing the soil compaction caused by larger machinery.
Photo - Will Bignell
7
Transformative technologies
Robots
If farm operations can be run remotely, reducing or eliminating an on-farm human presence, the security of
robots, crops and livestock needs to be considered. Remote operation of farms may also place additional
pressure on declining regional populations, although there is a counter argument that robotics and technology
will attract and retain more people to the regions as agriculture becomes a more attractive and accessible
career to young people.
Most industries agree that the use of robotics, particularly in weed control, could reduce farm inputs by targeted
application, increase productivity and result in better environmental outcomes.
Manufacturing and processingRobots can operate continuously in harsh environments, such as freezers with low oxygen or near high-
temperature ovens, using dangerous and heavy equipment; therefore many opportunities exist for robots
to be used in the processing of food and fibre products.
Robots can reduce waste through precision operation and with the appropriate hygiene standards, robots
reduce the risk of contamination due to human error in raw food handling.
While robots are generally restricted to roles that deliver manufacturing efficiencies, new advances in gripper
technology, hygienic design and intelligent image processing, means companies are exploring the opportunity
for robots to autonomously manufacture, or engineer, food.
Using sensors, robots can form, grind, and cut food products to deliver a consistent quality, size and shape of
end product. With improvements in digital image processing, robots can now see and react to different
processing circumstances, based on pre-determined algorithms or using artificial intelligence. This will enable
robots to make decisions based on measurements, readings and perception of the product in front of them.
The impact of this technology on food production is not fully understood, but it will most likely create new
categories of product specifications, or refine existing specifications, at the farm gate. For example, robots with
machine learning to recognise a product within an agreed size and shape range, will result in produce outside
those specifications being unsuitable for processing.
On the other hand, through precision operations, robots and automated machines can be used to reduce
waste in processing, increasing returns to producers through a more efficient value chain. The LEAP™ system
developed by Scott Technology and Meat & Livestock Australia minimises waste while maximising the volume
of higher value cuts, which on its own increases lamb carcase value by $1.30–$4.20 per head (as at 2015).
Photo - University of Sydney
A fact sheet series on new and emerging
transformative technologies in Australian agriculture
Challenges for adoption
The main challenge to the adoption of robots in Australian agriculture is the fact that the technology is not sufficiently advanced for widespread uptake. In 2016, most agricultural robots for operation on individual farms are still in the trial or proof of concept stage.
The Queensland University of Technology identified four general barriers to widespread adoption of robots
in agriculture in 2014.
Technology — Most agricultural robots are working in trial situations where they have continual access to
technicians and engineering support. The challenge is to build a robot for commercial operations that is reliable
and robust, simple enough to operate and low cost. A lack of coordinated data and standards may also prevent
on-farm adoption, and there is a need for robots to be able to operate across multiple hardware and software
platforms.
Regulation and certification — Protocols for the operation of autonomous robots may need to be developed,
particularly in relation to safety on farms. Preliminary regulations for the operation of UAVs have been developed,
however ground-based robots have not been included. Including on-farm robotic functions in such regulations
may also affect insurance cover and premiums.
Business — As at 2016, there is not enough commercial performance data to identify the value or expected
return on investment of robotics to Australian farm businesses. Further, agriculture consists of many small
businesses with limited access to capital for business development, which may delay the uptake of robotics
in the industry. This is in contrast to large mining or stevedoring businesses with financial capacity to invest in
research and capital upgrades. The challenge for agricultural engineers is to develop low-cost technology
without sacrificing quality or reliability.
Legal and socio-economical aspects — Liability for the actions of robots may need to be determined,
particularly if robots acting autonomously cause damage to people, property, crops or the environment.
The social acceptability of robots in the landscape may also need to be considered.
Challenges for the adoption of robots, partially addressed in the list above but likely to be significant, include
the robustness of the technology for agricultural applications and the aging target user group.
Limited robustnessIn regards to UAVs, adoption of readily available aerial robotic technology for use in extensive agriculture
is limited. In 2016, most off-the-shelf UAVs can only travel about 10 kilometres or for 30 minutes, making them
impractical for operation on very large properties. Conversely, in intensive farming systems, there are potential
risks of having multiple UAVs in the air at the same time over several small properties. The value of UAVs may
be limited on smaller farms, if those farms can be as easily monitored from the ground.
While off-the-shelf UAVs are reducing in price, experts suggest currently only a small percentage of farmers
could afford commercial-sized UAVs that provide a productivity benefit to agriculture.
Ageing user groupAnother potential barrier to the adoption of robotic technology, as identified by the Parliamentary Inquiry into
agricultural innovation in 2015, was the average age of Australian farmers. The digital era is relatively new, and
many older Australians will not have grown up with the scale and scope of the technology available today.
Therefore, with an ageing agricultural workforce robotics may not be adopted as rapidly as in other industries.
9
Transformative technologies
Robots
Policy and regulation
Regulation of the use and operation of agricultural equipment is familiar to all Australian farmers, from road rules for moving heavy machinery to spray drift rules for pesticide application. However, regulating robotic technology is complex due to the absence of a human operator and the fact that robots are autonomously guided by computers.
Standards Australia has published safety requirements for the operation of industrial robots; and the International
Standards Organisation has developed some safety standards for robots — including those that work in personal
care. The United States has developed laws relating to robotic vehicles and most countries have rules relating to
the use of UAVs, including Australia. However as at 2016, regulations relating to agricultural robots were unclear
or non-existent and many countries were considering a number of implications, including liability and insurance,
cyber-security and data protection, as well as moral and ethical issues of autonomous machines.
While Australian farmers and agricultural service providers are keen to explore the potential of UAVs, concerns
have been raised about privacy and safety. In Australia, the use of UAVs is regulated by the Civil Aviation Safety
Authority (CASA). People seeking to use UAVs for commercial use need to apply for an operator’s licence
through CASA, however private operators do not need a licence. Farmers in intensive farming industries are
concerned that activist groups may be able to undertake surveillance activities above private property, and in
2016 this issue was being considered by regulators and the agricultural industry.
As at 2016, UAVs must not be flown beyond the line of sight, unaided except by prescription glasses, which
creates difficulties for commercial UAV operators seeking to provide services on large properties. This regulation
also negates the potential value of farmers using UAVs for remote and autonomous monitoring applications.
However, CASA will consider such flight requests on a case-by-case basis.
From 29 September 2016, CASA will allow farmers to fly UAVs weighing up to 25 kilograms over their property
without an unmanned aircraft operator’s certificate, provided it is for private, not commercial, purposes.
Commercial operators will also be able to use UAVs weighing less than two kilograms without a number of
regulatory approvals, but they will still need to notify CASA that they intend to use the UAV for commercial
flights, according to a set of standard operating conditions.
Photo - University of Sydney
A fact sheet series on new and emerging
transformative technologies in Australian agriculture
Photo - Will Bignell
Aerial robots finding the good dirt on farms
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are being promoted as a game changer in agriculture, providing real-time information about farm performance. However, a Tasmanian farmer says they are simply another tool in the tool box.
The issueWill Bignell and his family run a 2300 hectare farm
in central Tasmania producing wool, poppies, lamb,
venison and boutique vegetables. As a pilot, Will
has always understood the value of an aerial view.
“In the past I’ve taken the plane up to check for
flooding or crop variation but it was time consuming
and expensive; so I could see the value of a UAV
scouting for problems on our property.”
Tasmania’s poppy industry supplies half the world’s
medicinal opiates and the Bignells grow about
40 hectares as their main cash crop.
“When you turn on the irrigation to do the first
watering, the sprinklers may not have been used
for months and inevitably there will be a blockage
somewhere. A UAV will locate the problem faster
than I could in the truck.”
Will has also found the UAV useful for monitoring
his crops.
“Again, if you’re able to use the UAV as a scout you
can identify problem areas and download photos
to send to your agronomist for some quick advice.”
But it’s the quest for information at the heart of
Will’s interest in UAVs.
“Translating powerful data collected by drones to
guide on-ground actions to maximise productivity
and profitability is the ultimate goal.”
The technologyWill owns a company called DroneAg, one of
about 120 operators in Australia with approval of
the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to operate
unmanned aircraft for commercial purposes. Most
of his work is with the Tasmanian irrigation sector,
where he uses UAVs to collect data to improve
irrigation performance.
Despite the hype around UAVs, Will says it’s the data
that matters.
“For me, my interest isn’t in the drone itself — they are
just a flying platform for a sensor. It’s the sensors that
matter. If we don’t get the sensors right and don’t get
the science right, then the maps we produce don’t
mean anything.”
Will’s UAVs can map a single paddock, or an entire
farm, producing a three-dimensional map within a few
centimetres of accuracy.
“I can model a farm to determine the best layouts
based on slope, drainage and soil information. 3D
models are a great tool because they provide a
quicker assessment than going around your farm with
a survey stick.”
Will believes the next leap in technology will be
hyperspectral sensing, to create things like vector files
that will inform variable rate spreaders or tune variable
rate irrigation.
“Imaging can map and measure how well a crop is
doing. Using that information to input into variable-
rate irrigation and fertiliser will highlight stress points
not detectable to the naked eye. That is where the
savings will be made and the productivity increased.”To increase productivity,
farmers need to have detailed
knowledge of how their farm
is performing in real time.
Transformative technologies
Robots
11
Transformative technologies
Robots
Case study
Contact detailsWill Bignell
T: 0418 216 780
W: droneag.com.au
Photo - Will Bignell
The benefitsWill says it is the top-performing farmers who are
reaping the benefits of UAVs.
“UAVs are not a silver bullet. Crop vigour mapping
will add value to those farmers who have already
squeezed every bit of efficiency out of their operation
and are now chasing that extra 10%.”
Will envisages a future where a dedicated drone pilot
will become another adviser used by farmers to
optimise crop production.
“No farmer I know has enough time to be religiously
mapping their properties. That said, having a fully-
charged UAV in the back of the ute will be useful for
scouting. But for precision agriculture, where high
quality sensors are providing high quality images for
interpretation, you’ll need a professional drone pilot.”
And that drone pilot should also understand
agriculture, because the benefits will come from
understanding and interpreting quality data that can
contribute to farm productivity.
“I’ve seen a lot of data compromised by the inclusion
of cloud shadow, or random vegetation that should
have been removed before an analysis was done.
You need to ensure your drone operator understands
the NDVI index and what it has actually measured.
We see a lot of data being passed off as true NDVI
when it isn’t.”
The futureWith CASA rules being relaxed in September 2016,
farmers will be able to operate their own UAVs (up to
25 kilograms) over their own farm without the need
for a remote pilot licence. It is expected that this will
increase the interest in agricultural applications.
For the data to have any value farmers must be in
a position to act.
“UAVs have great potential but farmers need to
ask themselves what information they need. What
problems are they solving and how will a UAV
contribute to solutions?
“If you just want a record of the year, then that’s fine.
But if you’re seeking to integrate UAVs into a precision
ag operation, you need to be in a position to take
remedial action. Otherwise, you’re simply cutting into
your profits by investing and running a UAV.”
UAVs potentially are reliable
and scalable vehicles
on which to mount sensors
to provide better information
on farm performance.
The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) invests in research and development to support rural industries to be productive, profitable and sustainable. RIRDC’s National Rural Issues program delivers independent, trusted and timely research to inform industry and government leaders who influence the operating environment of Australia’s rural industries. This research informs policy development and implementation, identifies future opportunities and risks, and covers multiple industries and locations.
Published by the Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation, C/- Charles Sturt University, Locked Bag 588, Wagga Wagga NSW 2678, August 2016
© Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation, 2016. This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.
ISBN 978-1-74254-879-1
RIRDC publication no. 16/033
Please note This fact sheet has been developed through research of publicly available information and interviews with industry participants and experts. The content is for general information purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions. Case studies were prepared from interviews conducted in 2016 and reflect the use of the technology at that time.
Processing
Farm operations
Natural resources
Consumers
Labour and skills
Logisitics
Inputs
More information � Robotic dairies
www.futuredairy.com.au
� University of Sydney’s Australian Centre
for Field Robotics
www.acfr.usyd.edu.au
� Australian Centre for Robotic Vision at QUT
roboticvision.org
� University of New England’s SMART Farm
www.une.edu.au/research/research-centres-
institutes/smart-farm
Series detailsThis fact sheet is one of a series on new and emerging
transformative technologies in Australian agriculture.
You may also be interested in reading about:
� Sensors
� Artificial intelligence
� Internet of things
EnquiriesE: [email protected]
W: www.rirdc.gov.au
The components of the food and fibre
supply chain that may be transformed by robots.