Robotics and intelligent machines in agriculture

Abstract

-From the prehistoric times of the hunter/gatherers until the present, man has been the sole source of intelligence in his food production system. The combined factors of increased international competition in the agricultural sector, advances in computer technology, and the rapidly decreasing costs of new technology have now brought us to the time when the widespread application of intelligent machines in agriculture is imminent. Thus practical agricultural robots now seem possible. Agricultural robots and intelligent machines will increase and become commonplace in the developed countries during the next decade. The status of intelligent machines and robotics in agriculture as it stands at present is reviewed; i.e., where it is going and some of the obstacles that must be overcome.