In agriculture, the paradigm shift towards digitalization is advancing rapidly. Most farms have recognized and reaped the benefits of this, using smart machines and digital technologies such as sensors and farm management systems. Smart agriculture help farmers manage the farm more efficiently, use resources more efficiently, simplify operations, tailor produce production to the local environment and ultimately make optimal decisions.,
Many farmers have recognized the benefits of digitization and are extensively using digital technologies on their farms. Increasingly, digitization is seen as an opportunity for a more sustainable agriculture. Digital technologies are used in crop production for smart farming and precision farming. Smart farming automates work in the field and lightens the load for farmers, whereas precision farming, as the name suggests, is aimed at the targeted, precise cultivation of agricultural land. Both are ultimately about generating benefit by combining and evaluating data.
Sensors for digitization
Sensors are the backbone of smart and precision farming. Using satellite imagery to monitor plant populations for nutrient deficiencies and diseases, or cameras to distinguish weeds from crops are just two of many examples already available. Tailored algorithms process the sensor measurements, which are then used to make decisions on crop management, for example, to calculate inputs of fertilizers and pesticides, optimized for the local conditions, analyse soil conditions or control field irrigation.
The most recent progress made in sensor technology will be on display at Agritechnica, which will be held from November 12 to 18, 2023, at the Hanover Exhibition Grounds, Germany, where exhibitors will be presenting their latest innovations, covering a wide range of applications. In addition to advanced sensor technology, the “Smart Farming” spotlight at the trade fair will feature live demos and other smart technology best practices that optimize cultivation, automatically fulfil documentation requirements and maximize resource efficiency.
Machine operator support
Smart sensors, such as camera and radar, are increasingly being used to relieve the strain on the machine operator driving the agricultural vehicle, supporting activities such as optimized loading of harvesting vehicles and mechanical weeding. Ever increasing computational processing power is leading to higher operational vehicle speeds and corresponding improvements in work performance on the field.
Augmented reality (AR), where a computer-generated image is superimposed on a machine operator’s view of the real world, is also of increasing importance, enabling the driver to make informed decisions without having to shift concentration from the way ahead to a separate monitor.
Despite such support systems, drivers may still experience high levels of stress during periods of intense activity, such as the harvesting season. Systems that monitor the driver’s heart rate and eye movements and look for signs of drowsiness, such as yawning or rubbing the eyes, can alert the driver if needed and even stop the machine if necessary.
Agricultural robots conquer the fields
Agricultural robots, sometimes called agribots or field robots, are undoubtedly among the most eye-catching examples of digital agriculture. Increasing numbers of autonomous field robots are performing work, such as sowing, fertilizing, hoeing and harvesting, and, as they do not need a break, they can do this around the clock. Autonomous machines have many advantages. Dramatic savings in farm inputs and working time, alongside improved soil conservation, ensure greater sustainability while lowering costs. In labour-intensive specialty crops, they can compensate for missing personnel. Some questions around safety and liability must still be clarified but their future is as good as certain. The many noteworthy products that will be on display in the exhibition halls in Hanover will leave visitors in no doubt about this.
