READY , TECH , GROW
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Today , drone-like autonomous robots are starting to be used to perform tasks like planting seeds , tending crops , and harvesting .“
Artificial Intelligence
The use of artificial intelligence , or AI , will make automated systems more adaptable to shifting conditions . Not only that , AI agricultural systems will be able to analyze , diagnose , and prescribe proper treatment programs for crops at a level of efficiency unmatched by humans . Now , we ’ re not talking about The Terminator when we talk about AI . For the time being , AI is simply a complex computer system that has the ability to adapt to new stimuli . AI systems in agriculture work to better coordinate mechanical systems , create feed schedules , diagnose illness , and ultimately increase yields and productivity . How do they do this ? One of the more exciting technologies that will be coordinated by AI in agriculture is that of drones . Drones are popping up everywhere and are now regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration in the United States . They are cool and fun and seem to have way more practical uses than anyone could have imagined . Farmers can fly a surveillance drone over acres of crops and take real-time photos and video . They can also be fitted to monitor crop temperatures in the colder months . Currently , drones are being used on farms not only for surveillance , but application as well . Crop-spraying drones are one of the latest iterations of unmanned aerial vehicles ( UAVs ) found on today ’ s modern farm . Crop-spraying drones can apply pesticides or fertilizers and are unimpeded by rough terrain . Aerial drones aren ’ t the only ones having all the fun . Autonomous robots are also having an impact on modern farming . 58 Maximum Yield USA | January 2017