Case: Sustainable Agricultural Robotics
ResourcesCase: Sustainable Agricultural Robotics
Related Initiative
What is this about?
Project context: A team of engineers, crop scientists, geodesists, and computer scientists, plans to develop agricultural robots using sensors and AI for autonomous irrigation and weeding. They claim to save significant amounts of water by identifying ground humidity and water needs using sensors, feeding plants right at the roots. They emphasize the effectiveness of the technology in areas in which water shortage and accessibility of agricultural terrain are critical factors for food production.
Ethics self-assessment, part 7: Environment
Our systems are intended to contribute a technological solution for sustainable agriculture challenges. These can only be achieved when embedded into existing economic and agricultural structures. Thus, we have added accompanying research work packages to the project plan on economic impact and on ethical and societal implications. The former will allow an inter- and transdisciplinary approach to implementation of the systems, the latter will ensure reaching a broader understanding of sustainability and handling the data that the systems are operating with properly.
Key elements of the robotic systems are the data bases for the AI training and the collected and processed sensory data from the systems on the field. Poor quality data will risk malfunctions in the system or inefficient operation of the systems, harming the sustainability objective of the project. Thus, data security and management are crucial for the success of the systems. We will ensure compliance with GDPR regulations and full transparency about the data flow with the farmers employing the systems. Recognising agricultural data, for example on growth cycles and soil properties, as the farmers’ major asset demands a research process that protects this asset.
It is a known problem that animals hiding in the fields may be harmed by the robotic systems. Thus, we intend to equip the machines with recognition systems and measures to prevent wildlife loss. In that way our systems contribute to sustainable agriculture not only in terms of saving resources and increasing yields but also in protection of biodiversity and ecosystem health. Our test fields are set up and maintained in such a way that wildlife cannot inhabit them. No animals will be harmed throughout the research process.
Overall, the ecological impact of the systems will be positive by reducing the amount of fuel, agrochemicals, and water compared to contemporary forms of weeding and irrigation. The employment of prototypes on our test fields poses no significant risk for soil, groundwater, plants, or animals.
