Scottish farmers could soon benefit from a two-fold solution to rural connectivity challenges and precision agriculture through the development of 5G-connected robots.

The 5G-connected robotic systems are being developed by Heriot-Watt University’s The National Robotarium, James Hutton Institute, Scotland 5G Centre, Boston Dynamics, and Freshwave.

Through portable 5G private networks, the robots will perform precision farming tasks, from assessing soil conditions and crop health, to the targeted application of fertiliser.

Modern agriculture faces critical barriers, from labour shortages to rising costs. The industry also needs to balance increased pressure on food production with environmental regulations and impact. The 5-G robotic systems aim to address these struggles with improved connectivity and more precise resource allocation.

The 5G connection enables the different robotic devices to communicate in real time, sharing information about the soil, crops, and growing conditions, to better enable farmers to make appropriate and informed decisions on resource allocation.

A major win of the project is its ability to breakthrough rural connectivity barriers. Operations relying on real-time data connections often struggle in rural environments, such as agricultural areas, due to a lack of mobile broadband speed and network coverage.

By working with portable 5G private networks, the robots can provide low-latency, high-speed connection that is essential to real-time data sharing.

The robots are also equipped with cameras to stream videos in high definition, which can be used to generate accurate field maps. Visual recognition systems are also currently under development which could have the potential to stop disease, infections, and even dehydration in plants faster than traditional methods.

Previously, farmers would have relied on expensive, specialised equipment and perfect weather conditions to gather the same information.

Advancing agricultural technologies is becoming more essential, as farmers are tasked with a food production demand expected to increase by over 50% by 2050, while balancing environmental and sustainability concerns.

The £22 billion Scottish agricultural sector is therefore positioned with this partnership to lead in and benefit from the global push for more precision farming tools that are practical and address real-world problems.

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“What’s exciting about this project is seeing the technology develop from initial concept to working demonstration,” Ruth Plant, project manager at The National Robotarium, said.

“We’ve successfully shown that portable 5G networks can provide the connectivity needed for real-time robotic operations in agricultural settings. The integration of these technologies creates opportunities for precision farming that weren’t previously possible in areas with limited connectivity.

“This partnership demonstrates exactly what the National Robotarium was designed to achieve – bringing together leading academic research, innovative companies, and industry expertise to develop practical solutions to real-world challenges.

“Our facility provides the collaborative environment where these breakthrough technologies can be developed, tested, and demonstrated to the partners and stakeholders who can help bring them to market.”