S3 Ep 13 - SwarmFarm Robotics

Australian Farmers: Telling Our Story

In a world driven by artificial intelligence and autonomous machines – the agriculture industry is changing dramatically. But with more technology, does life become more complicated? One farming couple is striving to create better and simpler practices with farm-bots. They used their own farm in Central Queensland as the testing ground and now – these mechanical helpers are being deployed to farms across the country. To learn more Jocie and Andrew Bate join me now to discuss:

• Jocie and Andrew have different places on their farm that they enjoy spending time.

• Since the late 1970s, Andrew’s family has been working on the farm and he shares how the use of machinery has changed over the years.

• Bigger is not always better and Andrew explains the machinery trends – they are getting bigger and so much more complicated.

• In 2012, Andrew started to wonder if there was a better way and introduced robotics to the farm.

• Partnering with two universities, they opened their property up to being the testing ground and before they knew it, they had a prototype.

• The current design of the SwarmBots, what they do and, how they help farmers.

• How these robotics can use targeted weed recognition, meaning farmers are able to use 1% of their previously needed pesticides.

• Commercially, they have farmed over 3 million acres with these robotics, and counting.

• The difference between ‘farming automation’ and ‘farming with autonomous robots’.

• In 2020, the Bates brought on investors so they were able to raise funds to take this industry to the next level.

• What Jocie and Andrew love most about life on the land.

• The most common misconception around SwarmFarm Robotics

• An unexpected event to happen since starting to work the land with Robotics.

• Jocie and Andrew ‘s ultimate dream for the future

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.

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SwarmFarm Robotics