Automation in agriculture means, in simple terms, integrating state-of-the-art technologies into the farming process to achieve maximum efficiency.
The development of information systems, communication technologies and their widespread use has opened up a wide horizon for farmers.
Whereas until recently, the dream of every farmer was to mechanise as much of his work as possible, thus reducing his efforts, today he can go to a whole new level, namely to control in detail all the important parameters of the agricultural process in an automated way.
The scope for optimisation is therefore enormous. In practical terms, we are talking about the possibility of fine-tuning in real time, with reduced human involvement and therefore minimal costs.
But what are the basic things every farmer needs to know about automation in agriculture? Here are just a few:
1. Automation in agriculture is much more than optimising mechanisation
The horizon of automation in agriculture is much broader. We’re talking about sensors placed in the field, software dedicated to sowing, fertilisation, irrigation and forecasting. Some companies already use drones to monitor environmental conditions and even apply fertilisers, pesticides and other treatments to plants. Others use autonomous tractors and combines and even fruit-picking robots.
2. Automation increases the quality of work in agriculture
The human factor is important, even indispensable, but it also involves errors. With automation, many human errors can be predicted and even eliminated. Operations are more precise, more calculated. The quality of the work and of the final results increases.
3. Automation is perfect for repetitive farming activities
Agriculture in general involves a lot of repetitive tasks that bring with them a high degree of wear and tear on human operators. With automation, more and more of the repetitive activities can be taken over by machines, machinery, equipment.
4. Automation is complementary to human work
Automation will allow farmers to scale up their operations and be more efficient, but with all the complexities of the natural factors involved, human instinct and human decision-making ability will still be needed. Automation proposes a perfect symbiosis between man and machine, between human and artificial intelligence.
5. The effects of automation in agriculture are not only to increase productivity, but also to reduce environmental impact
Automation in agriculture helps to optimise the use of energy, water, pesticides and fertilisers, thus reducing the negative impact on the environment. It ensures more sustainable agriculture for both producers and the environment.
6. The relationship with the final consumer benefits
With more profitable operations, higher quality products and a more sustainable production process, the end result is a win-win situation for the consumer who will be able to appreciate what they are being offered. Obviously, this satisfaction will translate into a sustained interest in the products offered and a close relationship between producer and consumer.
Automation in agriculture is therefore not a fad, nor something of the distant future. It brings real benefits, it is a necessity, a step that needs to be taken in order to keep up with the normal pace of development imposed by the world we live in.
At the AI Automation Initiative we firmly believe that farmers in Romania who understand this and are ready to adapt to automation trends will be the ones who will benefit the most from what this field has to offer. They will be able to maintain a high level of competitiveness and reap the rewards of a visionary approach to their farming.
To this end, we offer AI-Agri, a solution for monitoring and controlling crop parameters in greenhouses and solariums. We invite you to learn more about this service here. For further information, please do not hesitate to contact us on +40723 278 333 or write to contact@aiautomation.ro.