The future of agriculture: How AI will transform the way we farm
Artificial intelligence has come a long way since its early days of creating buzz and stirring fears; AI has evolved and transformed the agricultural industry. Already it’s made a significant impact and become an essential component of modern farming practices, transforming the way crops are cultivated and harvested. From advanced AI-powered tools to sensors and machinery, these innovations are reshaping the agricultural landscape as we know it.
The use of AI in agriculture is not a mere smart farming trend, it’s a boon for farmers running modern farms while facing modern challenges. AI-enabled smart solutions are helping farmers optimize their operations. The integration of AI in agriculture has given rise to smart farming technologies that enhance efficiency, increase yield, and reduce costs and waste. Here are some of the ways AI will continue to empower farmers across the world.
Smarter robots with AI will address the global labor shortage
Humans have long romanticized the notion of working robots, and this is now a reality in many smart farms where robotic arms aid humans in everything from planting to harvesting crops. Traditional farms are run seasonally with temporary laborers but climate-controlled smart farms and robots have changed that picture. Smart farm companies, like San Francisco-based Plenty, employ robots and machine-learning AI that constantly adjust the environment for optimal growth to deliver high-quality food, 365 days a year. At this vertical farm, robots maneuver around the crops, using AI to monitor and analyze water, temperature, and light. The result? This farm produces fresh products year-round without a single drop of pesticide while using a staggering 95% less water than traditional farms.
AI-powered sensors and cameras will replace human effort
The days of farmers heading into their fields and pastures to check on crops and animals are long gone, thanks to AI-powered cameras and sensors that have become an extension of our eyes and sensibilities. The latest AI technology moves beyond simple monitoring, tracking all data points and AI and analyzing multiple data points to present invaluable insights and trends for farmers. Companies like Farmers Edge in Canada provide precision agriculture solutions that integrate AI and data analytics. Such AI-driven farming solutions and platforms collect data from multiple sources like sensors, satellite imagery, and weather stations, and generate specific recommendations for optimizing inputs like fertilizers and irrigation.
AI algorithms will protect crops from pests and weeds
From bug infestation to overgrown weeds, farms are up against pests of all sizes and types. These pests alone can cause significant damage, destroying up to 40% of the world’s crops each year. While weeding can be a labor-intensive and seemingly endless task, advancements in AI technology have made it easier to combat infestations with minimal effort. One notable agtech company, Carbon Robotics, is a US-based robotics company specializing in autonomous laser weeders. By utilizing computer vision and AI algorithms, laser weeding provides a precise and efficient alternative to traditional forms of weed control. This technology not only boosts crop yield but also reduces the costs and potential harm associated with hand labor, pesticides, herbicides, and mechanical solutions.
AI will predict and monitor livestock health and patterns
Crops have certainly seen the advantage of smart farming, their animal counterparts are also benefiting from AI. Precision livestock farming is now making the raising and monitoring of animals easier than ever before. AI-based trackers come in the form of collars or eat tags that collect data on livestock behavior, activity levels, and health parameters, using machine learning algorithms to identify patterns and provide insights to improve farm management and productivity. Some tags like those from Austrian startup Smartbow can even offer real-time alerts for heat detection, health issues, and estrus cycles.
What’s in store for the future of smart farming
Thanks to advancements in information and communication technologies (ICTs) in agriculture, farmers no longer need to spend time and energy analyzing fertilizers and soil, diagnosing sick livestock, or assessing crops for pests, allowing them to focus on daily operations. By streamlining farming processes and systemizing preventive measures against crop diseases and waste of resources, the industry gains much-needed stability in an otherwise unpredictable environment.
Similarly, TYM tractors are committed to integrating telematics and automation technology into our tractors so that farmers can focus on the essential tasks that demand their attention. Equipped with innovative technology and invaluable data, TYM has engineered tractors with the latest in smart technology, contributing to a more sustainable farm and agriculture industry. Through our smart tractors and ESG goals, TYM aims to enhance the efficiency and productivity of farming operations while promoting sustainability in the agricultural sector.
