Scottish consortium reaps 5G for robotic farming

The system uses high-speed 5G connections that allow different robotic devices to communicate in real time and transmit detailed information about crops, soil conditions and growing environments. Low latency and high bandwidth enable the different agri-bots to stream high-definition video and generate detailed field mapping.

The consortium includes the National Robotarium, James Hutton Institute, Scotland 5G Centre, Boston Dynamics, and connectivity provider Freshwave. In the future, the partners claim that machine vision systems will be able to identify issues such as disease, pest infestations, or water stress, allowing faster intervention in the fields and ultimately better crop outcomes. 

“What's exciting about this project is seeing the technology develop from initial concept to working demonstration,” said Ruth Plant, project manager at the National Robotarium.

“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.”