Researchers are set to deploy a robotic dog in field trials to gather and transmit real-time information in an effort to enhance productivity within the agricultural industry. ‘
‘Spot’, a wireless four-legged robot, will be utilised to broadcast live video, conduct 3D mapping, and perform infrared evaluations as part of a novel ‘data-driven’ strategy for farming.
Specialists at the National Robotarium – the UK’s hub for Robotics and Artificial Intelligence located at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh – are spearheading this innovative initiative aimed at facilitating decision-making for precision farming tasks.
The robot, created by the American robotics firm Boston Dynamics, will undergo testing on a new 5G private network set up at the facility by connectivity provider Freshwave.
This network is being leveraged to evaluate robots with the objective of enhancing the innovation centre’s digital capabilities for executing commercial projects.
The collaboration with Spot is driven by an agricultural technology (agri-tech) need from a customer of the National Robotarium. The real-time data that Spot gathers will be utilised to boost agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Portable 5G private networks have specific applications within the agri-tech sector. They offer high-speed, dependable internet access in remote or rural locations where conventional broadband is frequently inadequate, thus improving connectivity for devices and systems on the farm.
The low latency provided by 5G facilitates real-time data collection and analysis, aiding immediate decision-making for precision agricultural tasks such as crop monitoring and equipment adjustments.
Additionally, these networks can be easily deployed and relocated as required, making them suitable for seasonal or fluctuating agricultural activities where permanent infrastructure is not feasible.
The UK agri-tech sector is anticipated to reach £15.6 billion by 2026.
Steve Maclaren, COO at the National Robotarium, said: “I’m delighted with what we’ve achieved with Freshwave’s portable 5G private network so far. Robots have the potential to transform the agricultural sector, similar to the way equipment such as tractors did so many years ago, but they need the right networks to power this data-driven approach.
“This portable 5G private network is going to allow us to unlock exciting new applications for our customers. One day we’ll see multiple robots in the field working together on different tasks, from weed removal to nutrient-analysis to pesticide application, creating a co-bot (human and robots working together) workforce to achieve results that simply aren’t possible without harnessing technology. It’s truly a gamechanger and the future of agritech.”
Tom Bennett, CTO at Freshwave, said: “We’re pleased to bring our 5G private network expertise to this project with the National Robotarium. The work the team is doing there is unbelievably cutting-edge and we’re excited to be involved in it.”
Ian Sharp, Head of Business Development at The Scotland 5G Centre attended a demonstration of Spot on the portable 5G private network at the National Robotarium.
Ian commented: “The demonstration of this robot, powered by Freshwave’s portable 5G private network, showcases the transformative potential of 5G to revolutionise agritech. It’s exciting to see how 5G can address the unique challenges of rural and remote areas, making sustainable and efficient farming more achievable.”
(Image courtesy of National Robotarium)
