Agriculture Beyond Autonomous: AG-230 Drone, a Flying Tractor Launched in Georgia

The agriculture industry is no stranger to innovation. From manual labor to the use of tractors and combine harvesters, technology has played a significant role in making farming easier and more efficient. However, the latest innovation in the sector has taken it to a whole new level. It's called the flying tractor.

According to the BIS Research report, the Future of autonomous systems: emerging technologies and opportunities market was valued at $3.15 billion in 2022, and it is expected to be $5.68 billion by 2033 with a CAGR of 5.64% during the forecast period 2023-2033.

In Vidalia, Georgia, Greg Morgan, a third-generation farmer, launched an AG-230 drone on 1st May 2023. AG-230 drone weighs 80 pounds that can fly 10 feet above the field. The drone was tested by carrying 8 gallons of fungicide over a field of sweet onions.

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The Vidalia Onion industry is worth $150 million to the local economy, but climate change poses a significant threat to its survival. To adapt to the rising cost of chemicals and cope with hotter temperatures, heavier rains, heartier weeds, and prolific pests, farmers like Greg Morgan are transitioning from tractors to drones.

While farmers have been using drones for over two decades to scan farms with cameras and map where crops are thriving and failing, they are now utilizing drones for hands-on crop management. This includes precision spraying of herbicides, insecticides, and fertilizers, as well as distributing seeds during planting season.

What makes AG-230 drone a flying tractor?

As described by Arthur Erickson, CEO of Hylio, "AG-230 is a featherweight flying tractor." With its large tank capacity, the AG-230 drone is well-suited for industrial-scale applications. Whether flying solo or in a group, the AG-230 is capable of handling large areas of land with ease. Moreover, its a fully autonomous, eight-rotor UAS platform designed and manufactured by Hylio. It has been equipped with a high-precision spraying system that consists of two 4.0-gallon tanks, TeeJet nozzles, and electronic flowmeters.

Hylio, a startup based in Houston, suggests that they have witnessed a significant increase in demand for its drones, with approximately 700 drones currently in operation on 700,000 acres of cropland every year. The trend toward drone usage in agriculture, as demonstrated by early adopters such as Greg Morgan, is causing a substantial shift in the food industry.

The use of drones in farming has the potential to disrupt the tractor industry, and this particular trend is beneficial for small and mid-sized farmers, which sets it apart from other high-tech farming trends. Moreover, it is also advantageous for the environment, making it a win-win situation for all.

Are autonomous systems the future of agriculture?

The use of autonomous systems in agriculture is increasingly becoming popular, and many experts believe that it could be the future of farming. With the help of advanced technologies such as sensors, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, autonomous systems can perform various tasks such as planting, harvesting, and monitoring crops with greater efficiency and accuracy.

Despite the potential advantages, there are some challenges to the adoption of autonomous systems in agriculture. One of the main issues is the high cost of implementation and maintenance, which may not be feasible for small and mid-sized farmers.

However, for AG-230, Morgan made an investment of $40,000 to switch from his old ground rig to a drone, which was a more cost-effective solution than replacing the old equipment, which would have cost around $700,000. This switch has led to a reduction in fuel costs and a 15% decrease in the use of agrochemicals.

In addition to the cost savings, the use of the AG-230 drone can allow Morgan to work on his fields even after heavy rains when the ground is too wet for heavy equipment. This can prevent damage to his crops that is often caused by tractors. Furthermore, the use of drones can prevent the compaction, bogging, and erosion of the soil that typically results from the use of traditional farm machinery.

Conclusion

According to Arunkumar, Principal Analyst, BIS Research, "Autonomous systems are already a reality, and they are being deployed across applications. They are going to be a significant part of our future as they are likely to be scaled up steadily across regions creating opportunities for diverse stakeholder groups across the value chains."

Autonomous systems could play a significant role in the future of farming with continued advancements in technology and increased investment in research and development.

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