Reuters – U.S. tractor maker Deere & Co said on Thursday it would buy tech startup Bear Flag Robotics for $250 million, with the goal of developing over the next year systems Deere can sell to allow farm tractors to operate without a human driver in the cab. “We are effectively in market with real […] Read more
Tag Archives robotics — page 4
Deere, Bear Flag aim to automate tractors as ‘fast as possible’
Opinion: Robot farmers could improve jobs, help fight climate change — if they’re developed responsibly
Farming robots that can move autonomously in an open field or greenhouse promise a cleaner, safer agricultural future. But there are also potential downsides, from the loss of much-needed jobs to the safety of those working alongside the robots. To ensure the use of autonomous robots on farms creates more benefits than losses, a process […] Read more
Ontario company buys second autonomous power unit
Haggerty AgRobotics has purchased its second OmniPower unit to provide autonomous farming operations in Ontario. “Labour shortage concerns within our local growers have really elevated the need for more automation and robotics on the farm,” said Chuck Baresich, president of Haggerty AgRobotics. Haggerty Creek Ltd., an established company delivering grain and crop input needs for […] Read more
Switch to robotics can affect both farmer and cow health
Study opens doors for further research into production practices
It may have opened as many questions as it answered, but the lead author of a recent study on the well-being of both humans and animals after they have transitioned to automated milking and feeding systems hopes the work eventually leads to a better understanding of mental health. Why it matters: There’s more interest in […] Read more
Farm automation likely adopted in high-value crops first
Ontario crop service company creates agriculture robotic division
The growing number of new crop automation products coming to market are finding their first uses in high-value crops, like vegetables or grapes. Several farm robots featured at the recent AgRobotics and Automation event hosted by the RH Accelerator focused on higher-value crops instead of corn, soybeans or wheat. The interest is creating new players […] Read more
Startups compete for Canadian Thrive challenge
Seafood traceability software takes top spot
A seafood traceability company took top spot in a recent challenge organized by Thrive, a Silicon Valley agricultural technology investor. Nine Canadian agriculture and food startups competed as finalists, with British Columbia seafood traceability company ThisFish taking the top spot. Why it matters: As the agriculture and food sectors shift towards digitization and precision tools, […] Read more
Alberta’s Lakeland to offer ag tech degree
College to launch first-in-Canada program in September
East-central Alberta’s Lakeland College is set to offer what’s billed as Canada’s first degree program in agriculture technology, as a two-year post-credential program, starting in September. The program, announced Wednesday, will consist of full-time studies at Lakeland’s campus at Vermilion, about 180 km east of Edmonton, plus “experiential learning practicums” off campus, en route to […] Read more
Ottawa research farm focuses on technology
Invest Ottawa aims to link agriculture with national capital tech sector
A new innovation cluster on a former research farm in Nepean, Ont., is expected to boost artificial intelligence (AI) and remote-sensing technology to Canada’s farmers. “I’m not even a farmer, and I’m really excited about it,” said Michael Tremblay, chief executive officer of Invest Ottawa. Why it matters: Having access to made-in-Canada offerings of data […] Read more
A GoPro for beetles
Science Notes: Camera backpack for insects could help researchers better understand insects
In the movie “Ant-Man,” the title character can shrink in size and travel by soaring on the back of an insect. Now researchers at the University of Washington have developed a tiny wireless steerable camera that can also ride aboard an insect, allowing a real-life view from the back of an insect. The camera, which […] Read more
Figuring out where robots fit in the field
European developers are still trying to decide what size of farm will buy their products
As Europe aims to slash herbicide use, some equipment developers are looking to weeding robots as a solution. Those developers, however, say misalignments between individual farmer needs and equipment designs need to be addressed. Why it matters: As in Canada, ensuring robots match the needs of farmers working in different conditions, and that adequate support […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
