In a groundbreaking move for agricultural technology, Fazendas Reunidas in Rio Verde, Goiás, Brazil, is set to deploy ten advanced agricultural robots across 1,500 hectares of soy and corn fields this season. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the adoption of robotics in agriculture, particularly in pest control, as the company embraces the third-generation Solix robots developed by Solinftec. The Solix model was recently showcased at Agrishow, Brazil’s premier agricultural technology event, where its innovative features captured the attention of industry leaders.
Fazendas Reunidas, which manages a total of 25,000 hectares encompassing crops, livestock, and preserved areas, is taking a bold step into the future of farming. In an interview with Future Farming, CEO Alexandre Baumgart, a mechanical engineer with over three decades of experience in agriculture, articulated his belief in the potential of agricultural robotics. “I believe in the process. The technological concept of Solix is killer; there’s no way around it. I like technology, but I’m passionate about results,” Baumgart emphasized.
The decision to invest in these robots was significantly influenced by promising results from a pilot program conducted last year, where a single robot enhanced soybean production by nearly 10 sacks per hectare. Baumgart noted that the robot demonstrated exceptional precision in herbicide application, which is crucial for effective weed control. He also highlighted the robot’s potential for insect control through image digitization, although this feature is still under development.
Fazendas Reunidas’ commitment to technological innovation reflects a broader trend in agriculture, where advancements in robotics are becoming essential for sustainable farming practices. Baumgart described the current moment as a “revolution happening in agriculture,” expressing excitement about being part of this transformation. The Solix robots are designed to operate autonomously, monitoring and caring for crops around the clock, akin to sentinels in the field.
The robots are not only expected to improve crop yields but also enhance the overall health of the plants. Baumgart explained that the precision of the Solix robots allows for targeted herbicide application, which reduces stress on the plants. “The less you apply anything that interferes with the plant’s natural mode, the more it produces,” he said. This targeted approach not only increases productivity but also leads to significant savings on pesticide use.
Looking ahead, Fazendas Reunidas plans to expand its fleet of robots, with aspirations to operate 20 units in future harvests. The initial deployment will focus on weed control, but Baumgart envisions a broader application for the robots in managing various pests and diseases as the technology evolves. “Ideally, it would be full, but due to speed, sometimes it will be necessary to use larger equipment that does not have automatic detection,” he noted.
While the integration of robotics into agriculture raises questions about labor dynamics, Baumgart reassured that human oversight will remain integral to operations. “There will still be a need for human supervision due to factors such as rain, wind, and machine bogging,” he stated. The shift towards automation will necessitate new skills and training for workers, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human creativity and ingenuity in agricultural practices.
As the robots are expected to arrive between July and September, Fazendas Reunidas is preparing for a period of adaptation and training. The implementation of these advanced technologies signifies not only a step forward for the company but also a broader shift in the agricultural landscape of Brazil. With a focus on efficiency and sustainability, Fazendas Reunidas is poised to lead the way in the adoption of agricultural robotics, demonstrating that innovation is fundamental to the future of farming.