Farmers could harness 5G-connected robotics to usher in a new era of ‘precision agriculture’ – thanks to a partnership being led by Scotland’s foremost robotics institute.
The collaboration between The National Robotarium, James Hutton Institute, Scotland 5G Centre, Boston Dynamics, and Freshwave is advancing robotic systems that can perform precision farming tasks – including crop health monitoring, targeted fertiliser application, and soil condition assessment – through portable 5G private networks.
The technology addresses critical challenges facing modern agriculture, such as rising input costs, labour shortages, environmental regulations, and the need to increase food production while reducing environmental impact. Traditional farming approaches often involve uniform treatment across entire fields, but 5G-connected robotics enable plant-by-plant precision, applying resources only where needed.
The robotic systems use high-speed 5G connections to communicate with other robotic devices securely in real time as well as transmit detailed information about crops, soil conditions, and growing environments, enabling farmers to make informed decisions based on current field conditions.
Ruth Plant, Project Manager at the National Robotarium, at Heriot Watt university, said: “What’s exciting about this project is seeing the technology develop from initial concept to working demonstration. We’ve successfully shown that portable 5G networks can provide the connectivity needed for real-time robotic operations in agricultural settings. The integration of these technologies creates opportunities for precision farming that weren’t previously possible in areas with limited connectivity.
“This partnership demonstrates exactly what the National Robotarium was designed to achieve – bringing together leading academic research, innovative companies, and industry expertise to develop practical solutions to real-world challenges. Our facility provides the collaborative environment where these breakthrough technologies can be developed, tested, and demonstrated to the partners and stakeholders who can help bring them to market.”
With global food production required to increase by more than 50% by 2050 while reducing environmental impact, advanced agricultural technologies are becoming essential. The agricultural sector, which contributes £2.2 billion to Scotland’s economy, is positioned to lead development of practical precision farming solutions that address real-world operational challenges.