Trials of an autonomous tractor have demonstrated the ‘great potential’ automation has to support farm productivity and efficiency.
A partnership between University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) Cymru and Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s agricultural campus, Glynllifon, tested AgBot, AMRC Cymru’s in-field autonomous tractor. The purchase of AgBot was funded by the Welsh Government.
The partnership said that the agricultural sector is under increasing pressure to produce high-quality, low-cost food, whilst reducing environmental impact. Automation is a key enabler to this but isn’t being adopted at the rate it could be, it added.
Through two field level trials, the team wanted to provide an evidence-based evaluation of autonomous technology in agriculture and to raise awareness of autonomous farming technologies and potential applications.
Alex Lewis, manufacturing engineering lead at AMRC Cymru, said:
“While the trials importantly highlighted areas for future development, the evidence-based evaluation provided valuable insights into the advantages and disadvantages of automation for both today and looking to the future, ultimately empowering farmers with a deeper understanding of its potential impact on efficiency and sustainability.
“This project underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between research organisations like AMRC Cymru, agricultural colleges like Glynllifon and technology providers, in driving innovation and shaping the future of farming in the UK.”
Martin Jardine, director of agri food at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, noted that the results of these trials are encouraging.
He said:
“The trials offer verified data as to the great potential automation has to support with increasing on-farm productivity and efficiency.
“Through further trials and similar research, the AMRC and Glynllifon teams will be able to transfer knowledge to regional farms to help them make informed decisions based on the findings of robust, applied research.”
Although the AgBot requires significant upfront investment, its ability to operate autonomously reduces the need for human labour and leads to cost savings over time, the researchers said, whilst traditional tractors, even with GPS-guidance, rely on human operators and increased labour costs, the researchers said.
The team at AMRC Cymru is currently looking at how autonomous solutions like the AgBot can be improved. They will also be looking at how other data sources – for example environmental and satellite – can support farming operations.
The partnership with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai will continue through to June 2026, allowing an opportunity to test potential improvements and further field operations tasks, using other equipment and attachments.
The AgBot will be showcased at agricultural events and demonstrated to agriculture students and farmers to raise awareness of the technology.
