(Originally published in print and online April5, 2012) Will the new Robot Farmers being launched this July, at the 2nd annual Canada’s Fruit & Veg Tech X-Change, become the future of farming? That question may be answered during planned robotic demonstrations.
Iowa based engineer, David Dorhout believes the Robotic Farmers he invented can help the modern farmer more efficiently produce food.
Increasing labour costs, new stringent health and safety regulations plus the increase of average farm size, are all factors that will measure the practicality and economics for early adopter producers. Dorhout suggests, “Agriculture has been at the forefront of innovation and demand has led to better efficiencies. I think robotic support will become mainstream, starting in the high value horticulture sector”.
Dorhout R&D will be showing off their field and row crop concept Robotic Farmer – “Prospero”. This spider like robot is the working prototype of an Autonomous Micro Planter (AMP) that uses a combination of swarm and game theory. It is meant to be deployed as a group or “swarm”. Dorhout says, “Prospero will eventually have the ability to plant, tend and harvest – autonomously transitioning from one phase to another”. This might not be so far off when you consider that robots are now milking, feeding and cleaning dairy operations around the world. The first milking robot in North America was installed in Ontario in 1999 and just 12 years later they are mainstream with thousands in operation. Thus the question, “Can robotics work on-farm?” has been more than adequately answered if the economics support it.
In addition to Prospero, another highlight of this July’s horticulture trade show in Norfolk County will be Dorhout R&D’s global launch of the new “Aquarius” robot, designed to aid greenhouse operators with dispensing water and other nutrients to plants. Astonishingly enough, this robot will be ready for pre-order at our event.
Have Your Own Farm Invention, Or Know Someone That Does?
Canada’s Fruit & Veg Tech X-Change will be recognizing innovative equipment and tools directly related to on-farm applications.
Enter your custom fabricated tools and equipment for a chance to win one of three cash prizes!
DETAILS
– FREE to enter
– Max 3 items per producer
– Items will be displayed in an outdoor setting
– Cash Prizes for the top 3 entries:
1st – $500, 2nd – $250, 3rd – $100
– Judged by attending producers – based on most creative and best implemented
– Equipment is to be dropped off during the days of Saturday July 7th – Wednesday July 10th
– All equipment must remain at the site for the 3-days of the event – July 12, 13, 14 2012
– Equipment can be picked up during the days of Sunday July 15th – Wednesday July 18th
– Winners will be included in post show press release!
Additional Highlights…
Other event highlights included in the price of admission are:
– “Meet the Buyers” Complimentary Brunch
– “The Wealthy Barber” Celebrity Speaker, David Chilton
– Irrigation Demos
– Cover Crop and New Variety Plots
– Organic XPO, Woodlot XPO
– Educational Speaker Series
– Various equipment demos and much more!
Supplemental- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silent_Running http://www.dorhoutrd.com/about_us