Mechatronics- Boosting Agriculture Manifolds
With the advent of mechatronics and autonomous systems, we now have the opportunity to develop a new line of agricultural equipment based on small, smart technologies that reduce waste, and environmental impact, advance economic capability and increase food sustainability. Furthermore, sensory data collected by robotic platforms in the plantation provides rich information and insights into yield optimization, improved planning, resource levels required, and when and where resources are required to reduce waste and improve yields.
Let's Know About Mechatronics And How It Is Changing The Agriculture World
With the advent of mechatronics and autonomous systems, we now have the opportunity to develop a new line of agricultural equipment based on small, smart technologies that reduce waste, and environmental impact, advance economic capability and increase food sustainability.
Furthermore, sensory data collected by robotic platforms in the plantation provides rich information and insights into yield optimization, improved planning, resource levels required, and when and where resources are required to reduce waste and improve yields.
Agriculture Advances Due To Mechatronics Engineering
"Today's agriculture routinely uses sophisticated technologies such as robots, temperature and moisture sensors, aerial images, and GPS technology," according to the United States Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
These technologies enable farmers to use fewer resources to focus on specific areas that need attention and to tailor treatments to different crops or even individual plants. They are also intended to be used in a variety of weather and environmental conditions.
Read more: Robotic Applications in the Agricultural Industry
Here Are Some Examples Of Mechatronics Engineering Innovations Used In Agriculture
- Agricultural drones that monitor crop growth and provide yield and farm efficiency data
- Autonomous tractors, use self-driving car technology and include automatic planting systems, sensors to collect information on soil conditions, and auto-steering systems.
Benefits of Mechatronics For Farmers, Consumers, & Environment
The use of mechatronics and robotics technology in agriculture benefits the farmer, the consumer, and the environment.
Farmers benefit from increased crop productivity, worker safety, and "greater control over plant and animal production, processing, distribution, and storage," according to the USDA.
For consumers, efficient technology-driven practices result in higher crop yields and less use of resources such as water, fertilizer, or pesticides, resulting in lower food prices.
According to the USDA, mechatronics and robotics in agriculture have a "reduced impact on natural ecosystems" and "less chemical runoff into rivers and groundwater."
With so many advantages, it's no surprise that mechatronics and robotics are becoming more popular in agriculture.
Despite the numerous benefits, agricultural robotic equipment is expensive due to the nature of the industry. Different farms require different farming methods, and the same robots cannot be used for all types of farms. Even though robots and mechatronics are rapidly evolving, agricultural applications still require significant development.
