Photocontest: a glimpse into the technological transformation of agriculture

The amalgamation of innovation and technology is reshaping the way we cultivate the land. At Future Farming, we take pride in commemorating this paradigm shift, and what better way to immortalise it than through the lenses of our global community of farmers and technology enthusiasts?

For our Future Farming Photo Contest 2023/2024, we were privileged to receive over 70 submissions from all corners of the globe. The entries proved to be exceptionally inspiring, making selection a challenging task for the Future Farming team. Nevertheless, we present to you a curated selection of the ten most intriguing images, accompanied by a heartfelt thank-you to all contributors. The 10 selected photographers will receive our Future Farming magazine 23/24 with the new Ag-Robot Guide.

1. Autonomous GUSS spraying robot in a blossoming almond orchard

Photographer: Abagael Higgs

Editorial comment: A well-captured shot by Abagael Higgs. It feels like we’ve landed on Mars in a science fiction film. The desolation is unmistakable, beautifully contrasting the autonomy of this robust, cool autonomous Guss spraying robot. Simultaneously, it showcases the lovely pink blossoming almond orchard in Victoria, Australia.

The spraying robot, built like a tank, also resembles a native marsupial, as if it wants to escape into the woods.

2. Affordable autonomous sprayer tested on a local farm

Photographer: Mahmoud Shoshah

Editorial comment: Mahmoud Shoshah shares this captivating photo. A local plant grower is almost in disbelief when an affordable autonomous spraying machine is being tested on his farm. It shields him from exposure to pesticides.

What makes the photo extraordinary is the man’s somewhat hesitant gaze. It seems to ask: ‘Can this be true? Is this really happening to me?’

3. Nighttime drone flight amid an insect infestation in Romania

Photographer: Iulian Stefan

Editorial comment: An honest and raw photograph from Stefan. The blue irrigation machine stands out beautifully against the dark background due to the flash, making the image intriguing and unadulterated, capturing the eerie fluttering of insects. Why spray at night, one might wonder?

Is it to immediately quell the insect infestation, or perhaps because the night is usually calm, with no risk of pesticides drifting?

4. Unveiling the divine essence of Robotti

Photographer: Ole Green

Editorial comment: Ole Green, one of the pioneers behind this renowned robotic innovation, provides a unique perspective on the origins of field robots, particularly the Robotti. Capturing the essence of precision spraying, the central unit of the Robotti, as seen through Green’s lens, seems to embody an angelic presence with a divine aura. Is this the origin of field robots? The photographer’s keen eye hints at a celestial connection. This is indeed a well-spotted insight into the heart of agricultural innovation!

5. Spraying palm trees with chemicals or irrigating with water?

Photographer: Mior Sharifuddin bin Mior Haridi

Editorial comment: Mior Sharifuddin bin Mior Haridi presents this picture, revealing the robust presence of a Robotic Agro in Complex Environment (RACE) amid the intricate setting of a Malaysian palm oil plantation. The image exudes a sense of courage and confidence, portraying the machine as a stalwart worker in the field. The intriguing mention of ‘precision spraying’ in the description from the maker raises questions about the methods employed in the prelude to this era of precision agriculture.

6. Guardians of the corn: Captivating contrast in pest control

Photographer: Peter Maximilian Herzog

Editorial comment: Nice, meaningful photo by Austrian Peter Maximilian Herzog. Why? Because the photo beautifully illustrates the contrast between the innocent-looking pure white capsule and the Trichogramma wasps inside, which are deployed to combat corn-damaging caterpillars/larvae.

7. Autonomous power unleashed in Czech Fields

Photographer: Pavel Milata

Editorial comment: This striking photograph captures the robust AgXeed AgBot T (115 kW / 156 hp) engaged in stubble cultivation on a field in the Czech Republic. Witness autonomous efficiency on an expansive scale, where the AgBot manoeuvres without a driver. Beyond its agricultural prowess, the AgBot stands out as an embodiment of modern design in agricultural mechanization, presenting a photogenic blend of power and innovation.

8. Bridging innovation and approachability in agriculture

Photographer: Candice Olives

Editorial comment: This captivating photograph, shared with us by Candice Olives of Naio Technologies, unveils a delightful facet of their diverse robotic line-up. What sets this particular Naio robot apart is its endearing front end, adorned with features resembling eyes and eyebrows, creating an almost charming presence. Beyond its functional capabilities, this image sparks contemplation on how the appearance of robots could influence their perception in society at large.

9. Innovation in bloom: The surprising allure of tree-counting robotics

Photographer: Di Hu

Editorial comment: In what may seem an unassuming image at first glance, courtesy of Di Hu, there is an exciting narrative. This is the autonomous tree-counting robot at work in Hale & Hines Nursery, McMinnville, Tennessee, in 2022 – a collaborative effort between CMU students and Moss Robotics Inc. The engagement of students in agricultural innovations is always compelling, but what adds a fascinating twist to this photo is the illusion that the robot is deftly cradling four substantial Christmas trees simultaneously poised for a magical ascent at any moment.

10. Unveiling the robotic marvel at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Photographer: Bharath Puttur

Editorial comment: In the lens of Bharath Puttur, a captivating narrative unfolds. The proprietary asparagus picking tool takes the spotlight as it showcases demonstrations of robotic asparagus harvesting at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2023. The photo artfully unveils the intricate and complex inner workings of the robot arm, which is reminiscent of bionic man.