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farming

Global agriculture robot market expected to quadruple in size by 2026

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The global market for agriculture robots is expected to quadruple in size by 2026, according to a report by Research Dive.

The agriculture robot market size was $4,082.8 million in 2018, and is expected to reach $16,640.4 million by 2026, and will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 19.2 percent.

North America region generated a revenue of $ 1,469.8 million in 2018, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18.9 percent. [Read more…] about Global agriculture robot market expected to quadruple in size by 2026

Upward Farms launches first organic vertical farm in the US Northeast

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Upward Farms, an aquaponics vertical farming company, has opened its new headquarters in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York.

The innovative new facility – which is Upward Farms’ first – utilizes the company’s next generation technology in both commercial production and research and development.

The operation, powered by breakthrough end-to-end automation, is USDA Certified Organic, making Upward Farms the first and only Certified Organic vertical farm in the Northeast region. [Read more…] about Upward Farms launches first organic vertical farm in the US Northeast

Carbon Robotics releases new autonomous weeding robot into farming industry

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Carbon Robotics, an autonomous robotics company, has unveiled its third-generation autonomous weed elimination robots.

The Autonomous Weeder uses robotics, artificial intelligence, and laser technology to safely and effectively drive through crop fields to identify, target and eliminate weeds.

Unlike other weeding technologies, the robots utilize high-power lasers to eradicate weeds through thermal energy, without disturbing the soil. [Read more…] about Carbon Robotics releases new autonomous weeding robot into farming industry

Swisslog brings supply chain automation to vertical farming

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Swisslog, a provider of warehouse automation systems, is making a push into the vertical farming market and has demonstrated newly built technologies specifically designed for the sector. 

The company says its automation systems can bring scalability, flexibility and lower costs to vertical farming, allowing them to be installed and maintained in a wide range of pre-existing and purpose-built spaces.

These systems help broaden the applicability of growing crops and bring food production closer to consumers in densely populated urban areas. [Read more…] about Swisslog brings supply chain automation to vertical farming

The Positive Effects of Farming Automation

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Farming is no easy task. From planting to harvesting, several steps need to be taken for a successful crop.

While farming may seem like a simple process, many farmers still find themselves spending more time within their fields, rather than with their families at home.

Fortunately, modern technology is making it possible for farmers to spend less time on the farm and more time with the people they love. [Read more…] about The Positive Effects of Farming Automation

Investment in agricultural automation increases as farmers look to offset labor shortages

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Total investment in agricultural robot startups has increased significantly as farmers look to offset labor shortages partly caused by the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report on the Financial Times website.

Citing data collated by DealRoom.co, the news website says investment in vertical and indoor farming startups has grown by more than 40 percent this year compared with last year.

Indoor farming is basically the process of growing inside large buildings, some of which are like greenhouses and use natural light coming through transparent roofs, while others use artificial lights if their roofs are opaque. [Read more…] about Investment in agricultural automation increases as farmers look to offset labor shortages

Thai agritech startup to use satellite images and AI for farming

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A startup company in Thailand called Ricult is planning to use satellite imagery and artificial intelligence to provide precision agritech services to farmers.

The company recently raised $2 million in new investment, bringing its total funding to $5 million, according to Nikkei. Among its backers are the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Bangkok Bank.

Ricult – which takes its name from the middle of the agriculture – says it is particularly targeting small-scale farmers with its services. [Read more…] about Thai agritech startup to use satellite images and AI for farming

New AppHarvest funding round brings total to $150 million

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Indoor farming startup AppHarvest has raised $28 million in its latest funding round, bringing the total to $150 million.

As Bloomberg reports, AppHarvest is building “the world’s largest greenhouse” in Morehead, Kentucky in the US.

AppHarvest uses similar indoor farming techniques to those used by so-called “vertical farming” companies in that it can irrigate its crops using 90 percent less water than traditional farming techniques. [Read more…] about New AppHarvest funding round brings total to $150 million

Spacetime Labs and Small Robot Company to develop swarm robotics for agri-business in Latin America

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SpaceTime Labs and Small Robot Company are partnering to co-develop swarms of fourth generation autonomous aerial and terrestrial robots to “transform” Latin American agriculture with “per plant farming solutions”.

The strategic partnership will focus on co-developing an on the ground, end-to-end “per plant” planting, weeds, pests and disease management and nutrition management “farming as a service” value propositions delivered through an integrated delivery “sense-predict-act” value chain for all key commercial crops in Latin America.

The companies will work with leading Brazilian and Argentinian farmers to prototype, test and scale Per Plant Farming – maximising yields whilst reducing the impact on the environment. [Read more…] about Spacetime Labs and Small Robot Company to develop swarm robotics for agri-business in Latin America

Yanmar leads agricultural robotics project to develop ‘SMASH’ system

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Agriculture in the future will see increasing use of scientifically precise farming techniques, where automated “agro-bots” monitor, treat and work the land, using advanced technology designed to help maximise yields and minimise disease. 

With its extensive experience in automation and agricultural mechanisation, agritech specialist Yanmar is now showing the way in advanced field robotics research.

Time for change in our changing times?

It’s hard to think of a more important economic sector than agriculture. This is an industry that directly affects the lives of everyone the world over, despite being beset by challenges from all sides.

Changes in temperature and precipitation are influencing crop yields; farmers and agricultural workers are directly exposed to the effects of weather extremes, while millions more in food-related jobs are already feeling the impact of our changing climate. [Read more…] about Yanmar leads agricultural robotics project to develop ‘SMASH’ system