Kiwi tech changing global agriculture
A group of talented software engineers is putting the Manawatū on the map by taking their technology to the world and transforming the global agricultural industry one sensor at a time.
This year's MobileTECH event, a technology series to be held in April, will highlight the latest in UAVs (drones), robotics, and digital communication systems for the primary sector.
The event, which will host both local and international experts, aims to look at where the technology is taking us and how to use it effectively in boosting productivity.
Precision agriculture has been an integral part of the industry for decades. However new technologies such as UAVs, robotics and automation are dramatically changing what can be done out on the farm. UAVs monitor farm conditions in real-time and feed back precise data to improve productivity. They can also access hard to reach areas, cover large distances quickly, and be utilised in any number of special tasks.
Automated harvesters are using GPS and localised sensor monitoring to plot directions and operate without a driver. While robotic milking systems allow automation of the whole process and increase productivity.
A recent report by Research and Markets, forecasts the global precision agriculture to become a US$6.34 billion industry by 2022. While Lux Research estimates that, the market for commercial UAVs (drones) will reach US$1.7 billion in 2025. They suggest that the use of UAVs in agricultural and other rural industries will drive much of this growth.
According to a New Zealand Trade and Enterprise report, New Zealand's agri-technology exports are already $1.2 billion annually and have room to expand.
MobileTECH 2015 will be held on 21-22 April 2015 on the Gold Coast, Australia and in Auckland, New Zealand on 29-30 April 2015. Registrations are now open, for further information on this event please visit www.mobiletech.events.
