EV Magazine November 2024 | Page 91

AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES
farming . These technologies are enabling farmers to make data-driven decisions that enhance crop yields and optimise resource use .”
The global autonomous farm equipment market is projected to grow from US $ 68.15bn in 2023 to US $ 121.81bn by 2033
A TECHNOLOGICAL REVOLUTION ON THE RISE The global autonomous farm equipment market expects rapid growth , with projections estimating an increase from US $ 68.15bn in 2023 to US $ 121.81bn by 2033 . Driving the boom is a growing global population demanding more food , the need to boost agricultural productivity , a shortage of skilled labour and technological advancements in AI , sensors and GPS .
Precision farming is on the rise , supported by government initiatives encouraging the agricultural sector to adopt these technologies . Key technologies driving this revolution include AI , the Internet of Things ( IoT ), GPS , remote sensing and computer vision . Popular equipment types range from autonomous tractors and harvesters to drones for crop monitoring and advanced irrigation systems . The innovations fall into two categories : fully autonomous and partially autonomous equipment , covering hardware , software and essential services .
NAVIGATING THE CHALLENGES : DAN MATTHEWS ’ PERSPECTIVE Farming consultant Dan Matthews , a partner at Ceres Rural , is well-versed in the complexities of modern agriculture . His advice to farmers is grounded in years of hands-on experience combined with extensive technical knowledge . Dan recalls how autonomous farming started with GPS steering , saving farmers time
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