At the heart of Penn State’s University Park campus, a group of innovative students is cultivating the future of agriculture through the power of robotics. The Agribot Club, nestled within the College of Agricultural Sciences, is a testament to the intersection of technology and farming, where students are not just learning but actively shaping the future of the industry.
The club, a melting pot of talents from various technology-related majors, is on a mission to address real-world agricultural challenges through the design and construction of robots. From cybersecurity to mechanical and computer engineering, these students are diving headfirst into the world of engineering, programming, and automation, all while gaining invaluable hands-on experience.
Joshua Gatten, a fourth-year cybersecurity major and the club’s president, underscores the growing importance of robotics in society and agriculture. “Technology is expanding, and robots are becoming a whole lot more prevalent,” he says. “Learning how robots work and how to build them is going to be, if it’s not already, an important life skill.” This sentiment is echoed in the club’s focus on making tasks more efficient and reducing labor-intensive work in agriculture.
Under the guidance of Shirin Ghatrehsamani, an assistant professor of agricultural and biological engineering, the Agribot Club has already made waves. They’ve competed in the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) robotics competitions, where students are challenged to create robots capable of performing specific agricultural tasks. Last year’s competition in Anaheim, California, was a thrilling and rewarding experience for the team, fueling their motivation to improve and expand their capabilities.
The club’s impact extends beyond competitions. They’re fostering a deeper understanding of robotics by teaching students the fundamentals of robot design, sensor programming, and automation. Members collaborate in specialized teams, focusing on vision systems, robotic arms, and movement mechanisms. And they’re not just for the tech-savvy; the club welcomes students with little or no prior experience, providing guidance and mentorship to help them develop technical skills.
Juan Arguijo, a graduate student in agricultural engineering and the club’s treasurer, invites anyone interested in learning about robotics to join. “This club is for anybody that’s interested in learning about robotics and getting hands-on experience designing robots that interact with their environment,” he says.
As they prepare for this year’s ASABE competition, the team is working on a robot that can sort and place various types of wooden and plastic eggs into designated areas within a timed setting. While the task may sound simple, it’s a complex challenge that requires critical thinking and teamwork.
Looking ahead, the Agribot Club hopes to attract more members, participate in additional competitions, and increase their outreach through social media platforms. They meet every Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Agricultural Engineering Building, open to all interested students, regardless of prior experience. This is more than just a club; it’s a community of innovators, a hub of learning, and a glimpse into the future of agriculture.
