Agricultural Robots in India: Types and Advantages

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What are Agricultural Robots?
• Different Types of Agricultural Robots
  • Harvesting Robots
  • Seeding and Planting Robots
  • Weeding Robots
  • Spraying and Pest Control Robots
• Advantages of Agriculture Robots in India
• Top 10 Agriculture Robots in India
• Conclusion

Introduction

Agriculture in India has come a long way, from using traditional agricultural tools to using modern farming methods like agriculture robots. The aim is to save time, money and increase farm productivity.

Today, many companies are manufacturing farm robots in India. Some of the notable manufacturers are Robo Technos, Nadaf Agro Industries, Binary Robotics, and Shpine Technologies.

With the coming up of farm robot companies in India, many agriculture robots are in use today. The top 10 agriculture robots include Krishibot, AI Kisan, Farmbot, and Bharat Agro Robo, among others.

What are Agricultural Robots?

Agricultural robots, also called Agribots or Agbots, use artificial intelligence (AI) technology to perform agriculture activities like harvesting, sowing, mowing, and spraying, among others.

These robots have automated tasks, enhanced productivity, and reduced labour-intensive processes, saving time and money.

Types of Agricultural Robots

Different types of farm robots are in use today in Indian agriculture. The classification of agribots depends upon the work they do in the field. A robot for harvesting is called a harvesting robot. Similarly, a robot for weed control is called a weeding robot.

Harvesting Robots

Harvesting robots automate the process of picking fruits, vegetables, or crops. These robots are equipped with advanced vision systems and robotic arms and can identify ripe produce, gently harvest them, and place them in designated containers.

Harvesting robots are particularly beneficial for crops that require delicate handlings, such as strawberries, grapes, or tomatoes.

Seeding and Planting Robots

Seeding and planting robots automate the task of sowing seeds or planting seedlings. These robots can precisely distribute seeds or transplant seedlings at the desired depth and spacing, ensuring uniformity and optimal germination.

They often use advanced sensors and computer vision systems to detect and adapt to different soil conditions.

Weeding Robots

Weeding robots identify and remove weeds from crop fields. These robots employ computer vision and machine learning algorithms to distinguish between crops and weeds, selectively removing unwanted vegetation without harming the plants.

Weeding robots reduce the reliance on herbicides and manual labour for weed control, promoting sustainable farming practices.

Spraying and Pest Control Robots

Spraying and pest control robots automate the application of pesticides, fertilisers, or other agrochemicals.

They have sensors and precision sprayers to target specific areas or individual plants, reducing chemical usage and minimising environmental impact.

Some advanced models can even detect pests or diseases and apply treatments accordingly.

Apart from that, there are many other types of robots used in agriculture, such as Soil Analysis Robots, Crop Monitoring & Inspection Robots, Livestock Monitoring Robots, Autonomous Tractors and Farm Vehicles, Greenhouse Automation Robots, Crop Sorting and Packaging Robots, and many others.

Advantages of Agricultural Robots in India

The use of robotics in agriculture has many advantages. These include increasing efficiency, saving labour, and precision and quality, among others.

Increased Efficiency

Agricultural robots perform tasks with precision and accuracy, increasing farming operations' efficiency. They can work tirelessly without fatigue, resulting in higher productivity and faster completion of tasks compared to manual labour.

Labour Savings

With the increasing scarcity and rising costs of agricultural labour, robots provide a viable solution by automating repetitive and labour-intensive tasks. It frees up human labour for more skilled and strategic activities.

Enhanced Precision and Quality

Agricultural robots have advanced sensors, cameras, and imaging technologies that enable them to analyse and assess crops with precision.

They can identify diseased plants, detect weeds, and apply treatments in a targeted manner. This level of accuracy improves crop quality, reduces wastage, and minimises the use of chemicals.

24/7 Operations

Unlike human labour, agricultural robots can work continuously, even during night or adverse weather conditions. It allows for round-the-clock operations, enabling farmers to take advantage of favourable conditions or address time-sensitive tasks promptly.

List of Top 10 Agricultural Robots in India

• E-Krishi Yantra: It is a multifunctional robotic system that can perform tasks like ploughing, sowing seeds, applying fertilisers, and spraying pesticides with precision.
• Krishibot: Developed by a startup based in Kerala, Krishibot is an autonomous weeding robot that identifies and removes unwanted weeds from crops.
• AI-Kisan: It is an AI-powered robotic system that can analyse soil conditions, monitor crop health, and provide real-time recommendations for irrigation and fertilization.
• FarmBot: It is a versatile and scalable robotic farming system that employs gantry-style robots to automate their crops' planting, watering, and monitoring.
• Milagrow Agribot: It is an agricultural robot that specialises in harvesting. It has advanced vision systems and robotic arms to identify ripe fruits and gently harvest them without damaging the plants.
• Wall-Ye V.I.N Robot: With its precise navigation system and onboard sensors, this robot can perform tasks such as pruning, leaf removal, and disease detection. It is highly useful in vineyard management.
• Bhaarat Agro Robo: It is an autonomous robot that assists farmers in pesticide spraying. It utilises a combination of artificial intelligence and sensors to determine the optimal amount of pesticide required and the areas that need treatment.
• MITRA: It is developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI). It is a humanoid robot that can perform agricultural tasks such as seed sowing and fertiliser application.
• AI-Sow: It is an innovative agricultural robot designed for seed-sowing operations. It uses artificial intelligence and computer vision to sow seeds precisely at the desired depth and spacing.
• TerraSentia: It is a compact, versatile robot designed for crop phenotyping. It can collect high-resolution data on plant traits such as height, biomass, and leaf area, providing valuable insights for plant breeding and precision agriculture.

Conclusion

The introduction of agricultural robots has enhanced productivity, reduced labour-intensive tasks, and promoted sustainable farming practices. From autonomous weeding to precision seeding and harvesting, these agbots are revolutionising the agricultural landscape in India. As technology continues to evolve, these robots will play an increasingly crucial role in addressing farmers' challenges and ensuring food security for the growing population.