Drones, Robots, and Satellites: Growing Cucumbers Quite Well

The widespread computerization is impacting various aspects of our lives. Surprisingly, the technological progress and automation have reached the agricultural sector. Soon, farm workers will be recognizable not by their calloused hands, but by their glasses, due to spending extended hours behind the controls of automated tractors. A typical agronomist will be a manager with a cup of coffee in front of a monitor displaying data on soil, weather, and plant conditions. Today, some enthusiasts and large experimental farms are utilizing drones and GPS navigation for farm management.

Development Vectors

A number of scientific institutions in the USA, Japan, and Australia are focused on advancing high technologies in agriculture. Currently, key priorities attracting investments include:

• robotization of agricultural machinery (tractors, drones, planters, etc.);
• creation of closed ecosystems (plant cultivation without human intervention);
• vertical farms (occupying minimal space and using 80% less water);
• automated logistics (utilizing small robots for harvesting fruits and vegetables);

Enhancing agricultural efficiency is crucial. As the threat of hunger gradually extends beyond the African continent and poor countries in the Middle East, increasing land productivity, harvest quality, and crop maturation speed holds strategic significance for the survival of humanity.

Fields Buzzing with Drones, not Bees

The quadcopter, resembling a high-tech toy, is extensively used for field analysis and planning tractor routes. Drones are employed for spraying necessary substances and fertilizers.

Another promising development is the analysis of plant conditions in the infrared spectrum. This enables conclusions about plant status, maturation level, and optimal harvest time. Modern tractor models are equipped with satellite connectivity and remote control systems. Simply load the route into the tractor via a regular flash drive and monitor the field remotely or head back home.

Thanks to GPS, tractor movement data is transmitted in real-time without delays, allowing for emergency adjustments. The robotized planter with an onboard computer has been in high demand. It analyzes various physical and biological soil indicators to calculate the optimal seed quantity and spacing. Using such technology enables maximum yield per plot, both in terms of quality and quantity.

Tomatoes on Venus

A closed ecosystem entails a combination of microorganisms, bacteria, and plants living symbiotically, enabling growth and development without human interference. Simply lifting the lid periodically allows for harvesting. Several experiments have been conducted in this field, significantly advancing the sector. Currently, the largest closed ecosystem is situated in Arizona, USA, known as Biosphere 2. NASA places significant hopes on this project as the stable existence of a closed ecosystem could facilitate the colonization of nearby planets.

New York’s Farming Skyscrapers

Another intriguing idea for a small business within a city setting is the establishment of vertical farms. In August 2016, Kimbal Musk successfully launched Square Roots, the first farming accelerator, which serves as the base for developing vertical hydroponic farms. Hydroponic successes in cultivating small-scale crops have been demonstrated. These farms can be constructed within urban areas, offering economic and easy-to-maintain solutions. Thus, a hobby can become a source of income for the owner and a fresh produce supply for nearby eateries.

Seasonal Workers Replaced by Year-Round Robots

Automated logistics encompass processes that reduce physical labor time and boost enterprise productivity. In Japan, farmer Makoto Koike utilized Google's open technology to develop a neural network in a robot. Consequently, the machine autonomously sorts cucumbers based on size and quality, saving considerable time and assisting the inventor's parents in cucumber sales.

This is not an isolated case. Scientists anticipate that within fifteen to twenty years, small robots will be responsible for harvesting strawberries, tomatoes, berries, and other crops. Heavy machinery currently causes significant soil damage, resulting in substantial losses later on.

Additionally, various sensors exist that inform farmers of soil conditions through WiFi networks or simpler transmitters. Based on this data, individual fertilizer quantities and irrigation systems are formulated for each land plot.

It Doesn't Eat, Sleep, Ask for Pay, It Just Wants to Work

An employee exhibiting these traits is either deceased or a robot. The latter is increasingly prevalent. Currently, the automation of the agricultural sector is progressing gradually. Financial constraints are the primary factor impeding the development of such technologies.

Most individuals adhere to traditional methods and are resistant to adopting innovations. Moreover, acquiring automated tractors, drones, and establishing automated logistics systems necessitate significant financial investments.

However, these investments quickly pay off. Not only vegetable growth increases, but land processing efficiency, harvest quantity, and farmer profits as well. The labor force susceptible to illness, inability to work in the field, or human errors is being replaced by machines that require regular recharging and maintenance. Once this concept becomes rooted in farmers' minds, we can anticipate another technological boom!