One of the critical drivers of widespread adoption of autonomous ag technology will be cost vs. value. Like any new technology, there will be a learning curve and fusion onto the farm will be gradual. Dr. Scott Shearer, ag engineering professor at Ohio State University, doesn’t foresee automation being a wholesale replacement to human oversight on the farm.

Much has been made of autonomous advancements in the ag industry during the last few years, as a possible pathway to increased field efficiencies and a solution to labor shortages.