soil

Yanmar leads agricultural robotics project to develop ‘SMASH’ system

April 20, 2020 by Sam Francis Leave a Comment

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

Samsung moves into the vertical farming market

May 2, 2019 by Anna

Agricultural innovations are essential for feeding our ever-growing global population.

Especially these days, as industrialisation and global warming continue to negatively affect soil fertility and reduce the amount of arable land.

According to the United Nations, the world’s population is set to reach 9.8 billion by 2050.

[Read more…]

Connected avocado helps farmer cut costs by 75 per cent

June 15, 2016 by David Edwards

Farmer slashes water consumption by three-quarters at IoT connected avocado farm

Avocado trees which are monitored around the clock and get irrigated only when needed are enabling a farmer to make dramatic costs savings.

The farmer uses the internet of things (IoT) to reduce water consumption by 75 per cent and gets put under utility surveillance for suspected meter tampering as a result.

The IoT is destined to touch every aspect of human endeavour making factories smarter, supply chains intelligent and now farms such as the first connected avocado farms, saving farmers vast amounts of water in growing avocados in the process. [Read more…] about Connected avocado helps farmer cut costs by 75 per cent

Robots from Mars to help reduce the environmental impact of farming

May 16, 2016 by Sam Francis

Martian robots – or more accurately, robot technology designed for use on Mars – could help improve crop yields on Earth, according to researchers.

A system developed originally to explore Mars has been transformed into an agricultural monitoring device for testing the quality of soil. It has the potential to reduce the environmental impact of farming.

The device consists of a mobile rover platform with a robotic arm which carries a soil sensing instrument. It is based on technology developed by the UK-based Science and Technology Facilities Council’s Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (STFC RAL) Space, and will be used in a new project being run by a team at the University of Strathclyde. [Read more…] about Robots from Mars to help reduce the environmental impact of farming

SSL developing robotic sample handling assembly for NASA Mars 2020 Project

February 29, 2016 by Sam Francis

Space Systems Loral (SSL) says it will design and build a robotic Sample Handling Assembly (SHA) for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) through MDA US Systems, a division of MDA, managed by SSL.

The arm will be used on a rover vehicle exploring Mars to process and store samples acquired from the planet’s surface.

“Our space-proven technology positions SSL well to help support JPL’s robotic space exploration activities,” said Nick Zello, director, emerging markets operations.

“As an industry partner we bring cost-effective solutions and a highly responsive and flexible environment to assist NASA in its mission to bring the world new insights and discoveries.” [Read more…] about SSL developing robotic sample handling assembly for NASA Mars 2020 Project