Economic potential of robots for high value crops and landscape treatment

Abstract

In recent years, the development of robotic vehicles in agriculture has experienced an increased interest which has led many researchers to start exploring the possibilities of developing more rational and adaptable vehicles based on a behavioural approach. A combined application of new communication technology, positioning systems (GPS) and geographical information systems (GIS) have enabled researchers to develop new robotic vehicles for high value crops in the agricultural sector and other systems for treatment of landscape systems. This study concentrates on the cost and benefits of applying autonomous robotic vehicles for weeding in high value crops and for grass cutting in four case-areas: Denmark, Greece, UK and USA (Red River Valley).