The world is growing increasingly hungry with 1 in 3 people classified as over-fed. In response, the agrotech sector is reaching for the stars to feed the world. The agrotech revolution has come a long way since its inception.
With global demand for food projected to increase by 40 percent by 2050, finding new solutions to feed more people could not be more pressing. The need for new technological breakthroughs is clear and many companies are already taking action against it. Let’s explore where this revolution might take us:
Smart Farms
Scientists have long been looking to the future of agriculture with optimism. Agricultural robots have been tantalizing farmers for years with promises of better, more efficient harvests. The latest advancements in robotics and data analytics mean that farmers can now make smarter, more customized decisions throughout the growing process.
In an effort to decrease the cost of production, farmers can automate many of the processes that used to take hours, days, or weeks. For example, sensors and cameras can be placed on a field to monitor the weather and crop health.
Using this information and data about the plant’s needs, robots can be programmed to adjust irrigation and fertilizer levels. This allows farmers to maximize yield while reducing the amount of water, fuel, and chemicals used in production.
Food Trucks
Ever since the first food truck appeared in New York City back in the 1980s, the shift toward mobile food vending has been gaining steam. The combination of rising food costs and increasing urbanization has created a demand for fresh, affordable meals to be on hand at all times. Food trucks are an ideal solution: they can park anywhere, they do not need to build a permanent location, and they can be easily moved if the city is growing.
With SaaS-based food truck management software, food trucks can be integrated with online delivery services like Uber/Lyft. This not only provides the convenience of ordering from your favorite food truck, but it also allows for customized menus with ingredients from local producers.
AI-Based Smart Farming Platforms
Farmers have long struggled with the challenge of managing vast acreages with the necessary precision to achieve high yields. With the advent of satellite imagery and advanced data analytics, the future of farming looks very promising. Using AI-based farming software, farmers can now receive real-time analytics to improve yield, increase profit margin, and decrease risk exposure.
For example, tractors can be fitted with sensors that detect soil moisture, temperature, and type to ensure optimal yield. With this information, machines can adjust mowing heights and nutrient application accordingly. With the advent of unmanned aerial vehicles and high-resolution cameras, farmers can now monitor their fields from the sky.
Robotic Farms
The most exciting technological breakthrough in farming is the rise of robotics. New farming technologies are making it possible to produce food using fewer resources while increasing yields. For example, advanced greenhouse automation is helping farmers produce food in places where previously only grasses would grow.
This includes deserts, mountains, and other regions that were previously unattainable. With a combination of sensors, data analytics, and advanced robotics, farms can be run more efficiently. This means lower operating costs and the potential for lower prices for consumers.
To take this automation to the next level, new farming machines are being developed to work alongside humans. For example, vertical farm machines let farmers grow to produce in the open air. This eliminates the need for expensive, climate-controlled greenhouses.
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
The combination of virtual reality and augmented reality is revolutionizing the way we view the world. While VR headsets have been popular for gaming and entertainment, AR offers the potential to transform the way we live. AR is increasingly being used to help farmers with crop analysis, seed planting, and real-time weather monitoring.
AR technologies also allow for remote control of autonomous machines, making it possible to increase the efficiency of existing production lines. AR is also bringing innovation to the grocery store with interactive grocery shelves that let consumers scan produce with their smartphones.
With the ability to display food quality ratings, nutritional information, and other key information, AR is bringing the grocery store to the neighborhood, not just the city.
The Future of Food Production
The final piece of the agricultural revolution is food production. The question becomes how to feed the growing population of humans and animals. The answer might lie in agrotech disrupting the space sector. The market for satellites is expected to reach $8.9 billion by 2022, with the agricultural sector expected to account for $1.5 billion of that.
Although the demand for satellites is expected to rise, many agricultural companies are hesitant to invest in this growing field. With the growing demand for food and fluctuating prices, these companies might want to take a closer look at agrotech. The agricultural sector is facing significant challenges as demand for food increases while resources dwindle. The potential for new technologies to address these challenges is high.
