At Melbourne University, a robotic arm has been developed with the precision to repeatedly pour beer into a glass without error. However, this technology is part of a broader mission that aims to create robots capable of functioning in outer space, where gravity is absent. Researchers, including those in NASA‘s global team, are pursuing advancements driven by artificial intelligence (AI) to support long-term space missions. Their efforts involve tasks such as growing plants for future space endeavors. While the focus of this work is largely on distant frontiers, AI is rapidly becoming an integral part of daily life on Earth.
One of the sectors most enthusiastic about adopting AI is Australian agriculture, according to Melbourne University’s Associate Professor Sigfredo Fuentes. “Artificial intelligence is a comprehensive discipline that revolves around new digital technologies for acquiring data,” Fuentes explained. He described AI as a system of mathematical models where machines gather information, identify patterns, and generate responses or targets based on the data. AI is already a critical component of smartphones, and its influence on agriculture is poised to be transformative, with drones, robots, and sensors playing pivotal roles in the production of food and fibres.
AI-enabled machines can process enormous quantities of data and convert them into algorithms to carry out tasks that surpass human capabilities. In the livestock industry, for example, AI enhances the efficient use of stock feed and provides round-the-clock monitoring of animals. Sensors and cameras can detect early signs of illness in livestock, long before it would be visible to the human eye. Dutch dairy technology company Lely has recently introduced its latest robotic milking machine, the Zeta model, which employs sensors and cameras to monitor animal behavior continuously. These systems can even detect when a cow is about to calve, alerting farmers to act promptly.
At Melbourne University’s Dookie agricultural campus, robotic milking machines have been in operation for years, but the incorporation of AI has significantly enhanced their capabilities. The facility equips each cow with a radio collar, akin to a barcode, to guide the robotic system. This system ensures precise feed allocation, automatic milking, and records the cow’s daily output. According to dairy manager Stuart Beverley, the greatest advantage AI offers is improved animal welfare. “The cows can be milked as frequently as they choose, which directly benefits their health and well-being,” he said.
In addition to livestock, AI is revolutionizing crop management. At the Dookie campus, farm manager Tim Reeks operates a tractor outfitted with a 36-meter-wide spray boom designed to selectively target weeds. Using cameras attached to the boom arm, the system captures eight images per second, allowing it to pinpoint and spray only the unwanted plants. This precision not only reduces chemical usage by up to 80% but also improves crop quality and benefits the environment. In some cases, the use of this technology has led to a 96% reduction in chemical application on grass weeds, saving costs and minimizing ecological impact.
Water management is another area where AI is making strides. Dr. Rose Roche, a scientist from CSIRO, has developed an AI-assisted program called WaterWise. This innovative technology uses sensors and advanced analytics to monitor plant health and forecast the ideal times to irrigate crops. WaterWise has been commercialized in collaboration with Goanna Ag, an Australian company, and is already benefiting irrigators in industries like cotton. By predicting a crop’s water needs in real-time and identifying when plants are stressed due to lack of water, AI enables farmers to make informed decisions, optimizing resource use and enhancing crop yields. The technology has even gained traction in international markets, particularly in the United States.
AI’s impact extends beyond farms and into food processing. For instance, AI-equipped greenhouses can use drones to detect pest infestations, measure crop yields, and assist in pollination. In fruit packing facilities, AI can identify overripe or damaged fruit that may not be visible to human workers, improving efficiency and reducing waste. As Professor Fuentes pointed out, “Agriculture and food science are the sciences of the future. Without them, exploring the universe would not be possible.”
AI is reshaping the agricultural landscape, driving innovation in food production, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. These technologies promise to revolutionize not only how we farm but also how we address the global challenges of food security and resource management.
