Smart Farming Technologies for Global Food Security: A Review of Robotics and Automation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61978/digitus.v3i4.1076Keywords:
Precision Agriculture, Robotics, Automation, Smart Farming Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, UAVs, Sustainable AgricultureAbstract
This narrative review explores the role of robotics and automation in precision agriculture, particularly in addressing global challenges such as food security, labor shortages, and environmental sustainability. A systematic literature search was conducted using Scopus, Web of Science, and other supplementary databases, focusing on studies from 2015 to 2025. Findings show that AI-based models and UAV monitoring can enhance crop yield by up to 20% and reduce water and fertilizer use by 30%. Smart irrigation, soft robotics, and autonomous systems also demonstrate effectiveness in specific applications like pruning, weeding, and aquaponics. Despite promising outcomes, adoption varies due to financial, infrastructural, and governance barriers, especially in developing regions. The review concludes that integrating robotics with AI, IoT, and UAVs has transformative potential for agriculture. Future research should prioritize system interoperability, dataset quality, and environmental impact assessments to support widespread, equitable implementation.
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