The widespread use of robots on Scottish farms has taken a big leap forward.
A partnership between Scotland’s leading technology and agricultural research institutions is developing 5G-connected robotics applications.
These are expected to drive precision agriculture techniques, while also helping to tackle rural connectivity challenges.
The collaboration between the National Robotarium, James Hutton Institute (JHI), Scotland 5G Centre, Boston Dynamics and Freshwave is advancing systems to carry out precision farming tasks.
What can new robots do on the farm?
Potential applications include crop health monitoring, targeted fertiliser application and soil condition assessment.
The technology addresses critical challenges facing modern agriculture, such as rising input costs, labour shortages, environmental regulations and the need to grow food production a the same time as reducing environmental impact.
Traditional farming approaches often involve uniform treatment across entire fields.
But 5G-connected robotics enable plant-by-plant precision, applying resources only where needed.
A key breakthrough has been addressing connectivity limitations in rural areas.
Agricultural operations requiring data-intensive robotic applications often face inadequate mobile network coverage and bandwidth constraints.
Portable 5G private networks deliver connections for new robot ‘farmers’
The partnership has worked with portable 5G private networks that can be rapidly deployed on farms, providing the high-speed connectivity required for real-time robotic operations.
These systems can stream high-definition video, generate detailed field mapping and, with under development visual recognition systems, identify issues such as disease, pest infestations, or water stress significantly earlier than traditional monitoring methods.
Tasks that previously required expensive equipment, technical expertise and optimal weather conditions can now be done more efficiently and cost-effectively.
The integration of these technologies creates opportunities for precision farming that weren’t previously possible in areas with limited connectivity.”
Following a demonstration of the 5G-connected robotics technologies at the National Robotarium, in Edinburgh, project manager Ruth Plant said: “What’s exciting about this is seeing the technology develop from initial concept to working demonstration.
“We’ve successfully shown that portable 5G networks can provide the connectivity needed for real-time robotic operations in agricultural settings. The integration of these technologies creates opportunities for precision farming that weren’t previously possible in areas with limited connectivity.”
She added: “This partnership demonstrates exactly what the National Robotarium was designed to achieve – bringing together leading academic research, innovative companies and industry expertise to develop practical solutions to real-world challenges.”
JHI agritech specialist Andrew Christie said: “Robotics are a next step in the progression towards data-driven farming practices.
“But a barrier to uptake has been the speed and reliability for real time communication, and a need for manual intervention for data processing.
“With the integration of 5G private networks in robotics, we can address these issues.
“The use of remotely deployable 5G private networks as showcased at the National Robotarium and James Hutton Institute provides relevance to all rural settings and agricultural businesses, regardless of farm type.”
Scotland’s ‘innovation ecosystem’
Ian Sharp, head of delivery at the Scotland 5G Centre, in Glasgow, said: “It’s easy to see from the project how the 5G connected robotics can provide new opportunities to increase productivity and reduce costs.
“It’s also important to note that the partnership itself highlights the collaborative nature and strength of Scotland’s innovation ecosystem.”
“Reliable, portable private 5G is unlocking new possibilities for robotics and automation.”
Tom Bennett, chief technology officer at digital infrastructure firm Freshwave, said: “Reliable, portable private 5G is unlocking new possibilities for robotics and automation.
“We’re excited to support the National Robotarium as they help shape the future of sustainable agriculture alongside their partners and customers.”
Meeting global food challenge will require advanced agricultural tech
With global food production required to increase by more than 50% by 2050, while reducing environmental impact, advanced agricultural technologies are becoming essential.
The agricultural industry contributes £2.2 billion annually to Scotland’s economy.
According to the National Robotarium and its project partners, the sector is ideally positioned to “lead development of practical precision farming solutions to real-world operational challenges”.
Conversation