Mayor Supports New UK-US Partnership to Advance AI and Robotics in Farming
A new partnership between the Universities of Lincoln and Florida will explore how AI and robotics can support the future of farming
Collaboration between transatlantic researchers looking at ways farmers can harness the latest cutting edge technology has taken a step forward after a visit from the Greater Lincolnshire Mayor.
Mayor Dame Andrea Jenkyns toured facilities at Florida University last week to see how AI and robotics could transform the future of farming in Lincolnshire.
During the visit Dame Andrea supported the signing of an agreement between the University of Florida and the University of Lincoln to co-operate on developing research, AI and robotics for farms, and commercialising new innovative approaches.
Both universities are developing the use of AI-powered robots to carry out functions across the agri-food industry, including areas such as automated crop care and harvesting.
Research includes developing robots that can carry out targeted weedkilling and fertilisation, automated crop harvesting, as well as utilising driverless technology for agricultural vehicles.
Mayor Dame Andrea met with several senior US Government, business and education officials during her whistle stop tour of Florida and Texas.
She met a judge from the Texan Supreme Court to discuss law and order issues, Texas Congresswoman Carrie Isaacs to discuss opportunities to collaborate across key industries, senior leaders and researchers from the University of Florida and even met with the President of Lithuania during her visit.
Mayor Dame Andrea is committed to supporting new developments in technology that can help local farmers harvest crops faster, reduce costs, improve food supply and support cleaner farming.
New technologies can also support smaller farmers stay competitive and profitable.
Mayor Dame Andrea said: "By bringing researchers and farmers together, this partnership can help families, support farms and strengthen communities.”
“It is crucial Greater Lincolnshire and whole country has reliable food supplies. Shortages of food inevitably push up prices and that is a huge problem for already hard-pressed families.
“Many farms struggle to find enough workers at busy times. These tools can fill gaps, save crops and support skilled jobs—not replace people.
“Smarter farming also means using the right treatment, in the right place, at the right time and that can help protect the land and water sources for generations to come.
“The public and the farming community should see clear benefits: less waste, steadier food supplies, cleaner farming and stronger rural communities.”
The visit comes in the wake of the Mayor’s announcement of awards totalling more than £500,000 in nine projects designed to support innovation projects in the area.
Among the projects awarded the growth funding were an Innovation Connect Programme to help businesses access innovation support and specialist advice, development work to support investment opportunities at the South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone and a study to support agricultural innovation and growth.