They may be on the cutting edge of technology, but robots rolling out across Australian farms are now incorporating tactics from the past to kill weeds.

Mississippi State University opened a brand-new Agricultural Autonomy Institute in Starkville. It will serve as an on-campus hub for research in robotics, AI, remote sensing and more. The research infrastructure includes a 4,800 square-foot laboratory space and an “Autonomous Acres” proving ground that stretches 5 acres.

Just over 53% of responding dealers said their customers are interested in buying retrofit kits that would allow their existing diesel tractors to operate autonomously.

Terrakamp’s Nexat system generated tons of buzz with its Farm Progress Show debut over the summer. The company just announced a partnership with the EW Group, that will give EW Group a minority stake in Nexat.

MSU officials on Thursday officially opened the Agricultural Autonomy Institute, the nation's first and only interdisciplinary research center focused on autonomous technologies to enhance on-farm precision and efficiency.

"The continuing evolution of the semiconductor industry is reducing the entry cost of technology," says Ohio State University professor Scott Shearer. "Our ability to connect field machinery to the internet has simplified data management while providing a solid foundation for automation."

Vanderloop Equipment demo's the Sabanto autonomy kit on a Fendt tractor for a customer in Wisconsin. Product specialist Mark Vanderloop chats with us in the cab as the system autonomously mows a 70-acre field.

About 10 months ago, Verdant Robotics received one of the largest investments in ag robotics to date — $46.5 million. The plan was to use the money to scale its fleet, build more machines and cover more acres.

GUSS Automation has introduced GreenMark Equipment as its first John Deere dealer in the Midwest.

Raven showcases the 3rd level of autonomy — operator assisted autonomy — with Raven Cart Automation, which is now available for pre-orders. We hop in the cab for a ride-a-long with autonomy specialist Adam Lowe.