How Drones Could Change the Way We Grow Agriculture

In the not-too-distant future, drone deliveries of groceries, medicine, and other everyday needs could become a reality. But how? The rise of big data and artificial intelligence has already enabled companies to optimize their supply chain processes, lower costs, and cut production time. This is already enabling us to reduce dependence on expensive foreign imports while also improving the welfare of farmed animals. As AI improves and the cost of sensors, computers, and software continues to fall, agriculture will be able to produce more with less. This will affect how people eat — both in terms of how much we are willing to spend on food and how much control we want over what we’re eating.

The advantages of drones in agriculture

Many have expressed concerns about the safety of drone deliveries, but data shows that such deliveries have not caused more safety-related incidents than other forms of transport. Unlike other forms of transport, such as cars or airplanes, where there is an inherent danger of human error and abuse, the potential for serious accident is significantly reduced with the use of AI and robotics. Furthermore, AI and robotics allow for more accurate and frequent monitoring of assets and activities, which benefits both stakeholders in the supply chain and end users. This in turn allows for more frequent adjustments to ensure the highest possible quality product at the right time.

How drones could change the way we grow

Despite its advantages, drone delivery is not yet a norm in agriculture. Companies are experimenting with the technology around the world, but it is still at a very early stage of adoption in agriculture. For example, deliveries of almonds in Spain are only being made via drones in 2020. In the meantime, the development of greater levels of automation and AI in agriculture are progressing at a rapid pace. Automating production, for example, will allow farmers to focus on their core competences, such as disease control, organic gardening, and crop improvement.

The potential disadvantages of drones in agriculture

Beyond the obvious safety and production benefits of drone deliveries, there are potential disadvantages that need to be considered. One major concern is food safety. Although AI and robotics could help reduce food safety risks, they could also result in a more diversified supply chain, with more ingredients coming from more locations. This could increase the risk of food resistance and contamination. Furthermore, the rapid adoption of AI and robotics in agriculture could lead to an increase in collateral damage and negative environmental impacts. For example, automated machines tend to produce less waste, which requires fewer human efforts. This, in turn, increases the overall value of the product. Beyond these immediate concerns, however, there are longer-term issues that need to be addressed. One major issue is the lack of incentives for farmers to use automated or semi-automated equipment. Automation and increases in productivity could lead to farmer dropouts, which will have a negative impact on the whole food production chain.

Food safety with drones

Beyond these immediate concerns, however, there are longer-term issues that need to be addressed. One major issue is the lack of incentives for farmers to use automated or semi-automated equipment. Automation and increases in productivity could lead to farmer dropouts, which will have a negative impact on the whole food production chain. Beyond these immediate concerns, however, there are longer-term issues that need to be addressed. One major issue is the lack of incentives for farmers to use automated or semi-automated equipment. Automation and increases in productivity could lead to farmer dropouts, which will have a negative impact on the whole food production chain. Beyond these immediate concerns, however, there are longer-term issues that need to be addressed. One major issue is the lack of incentives for farmers to use automated or semi-automated equipment. Automation and increases in productivity could lead to farmer dropouts, which will have a negative impact on the whole food production chain. Beyond these immediate concerns, however, there are longer-term issues that need to be addressed. One major issue is the lack of incentives for farmers to use automated or semi-automated equipment. Automation and increases in productivity could lead to farmer dropouts, which will have a negative impact on the whole food production chain.

Wherever drones might be used in agriculture

Beyond these immediate concerns, however, there are longer-term issues that need to be addressed. One major issue is the lack of incentives for farmers to use automated or semi-automated equipment. Automation and increases in productivity could lead to farmer dropouts, which will have a negative impact on the whole food production chain. Beyond these immediate concerns, however, there are longer-term issues that need to be addressed. One major issue is the lack of incentives for farmers to use automated or semi-automated equipment. Automation and increases in productivity could lead to farmer dropouts, which will have a negative impact on the whole food production chain. Beyond these immediate concerns, however, there are longer-term issues that need to be addressed. One major issue is the lack of incentives for farmers to use automated or semi-automated equipment. Automation and increases in productivity could lead to farmer dropouts, which will have a negative impact on the whole food production chain.

Summary

The future of agriculture is changing and is set to be transformed by new forms of transport. The rise of big data and artificial intelligence has already enabled companies to optimize their supply chain processes, lower costs, and cut production time. This is already enabling us to reduce dependence on expensive foreign imports while also improving the welfare of farmed animals. As AI improves and the cost of sensors, computers, and software continues to fall, agriculture will be able to produce more with less. This will affect how people eat — both in terms of how much we are willing to spend on food and how much control we want over what we’re eating.