Exploring Robotics and AI in Regional Farming
Terrakin and MiFood's applied research project in NSW
Building Pathways for Regional Innovation
Terrakin Robotics and MiFood are conducting an R&D project examining how small and medium-sized farms in regional New South Wales can integrate robotics and artificial intelligence into their operations. The project tracks the value-creation process from design and development through to deployment and day-to-day use on farms.
We work alongside growers and regional operators to test what functions in practice. Each pilot deployment and farmer discussion reveals how technology integrates—or conflicts—with established farm workflows, equipment, and labour patterns.
Understanding Barriers and Opportunities
The project investigates specific adoption barriers that have been documented across Australian agriculture. Research shows that significant upfront costs for infrastructure, sensors, and machinery create financial barriers for smaller-scale farm businesses[^1], while a lack of coordinated data standards may prevent on-farm adoption, as robots need to operate across multiple hardware and software platforms[^2].
Australian farm businesses consistently have trouble hiring for both skilled and unskilled roles, with shortages particularly severe in seasonal industries such as horticulture[^3]. We're documenting where robotics can address these operational constraints. Around 40% of Australian horticulture farms used machinery like fruit picking machines to reduce their demand for labour in 2022–23[^4], demonstrating that automation is already being used to ease workforce pressures.
This research tracks both economic outcomes (productivity changes, cost structures, return on investment timelines) and social impacts (changes to workforce composition, skill requirements, community employment patterns). There is very little research that looks at technology adoption in agriculture, with a particular lack of knowledge as to whether farmers will be willing to adapt their farms and practices to actually use these new technologies[^5]. The data helps us identify which farm types and production systems see measurable benefits from automation.
Technical and Regulatory Context
Our work takes place within an evolving regulatory framework. Australia developed a world-first Code of Practice for agricultural mobile field machinery with autonomous functions, led by Grain Producers Australia in collaboration with industry partners, to better define responsibilities for technology users, dealers, service providers and manufacturers[^6].
Around 65% of farmland in Australia has no or very poor cellular coverage, with coverage being a mix of 3G and 4G[^7]. This connectivity challenge affects how autonomous systems can function in regional areas and is a key consideration in our trials.
A Respectful and Sustainable Approach
Terrakin's research follows First Nations consultation protocols for work conducted on traditional lands. Our environmental framework considers energy use, material sourcing, and end-of-life equipment management. We structure trials to minimise disruption to existing farm operations and community structures.
What Comes Next
As field trials progress, we'll document findings from prototype testing, report quantitative results from pilot deployments, and share accounts from participating growers. Agronomists and early adopter farmers will play a significant role in closing the technology-end user gap, and will need support and training from technology service providers, government bodies and peer-networks[^8].
We're examining how agricultural technology can work within the constraints and opportunities of regional NSW farming. Change happens when farmers and their advisors are part of the process—through mutual understanding, ownership, and trust.
This project connects farmers, technology developers, and regional stakeholders in testing practical automation solutions for Australian agriculture.
References
[^1]: AgriFutures Australia. (2025, May 9). "How is artificial intelligence (AI) being used in agriculture?" evokeAG. https://www.evokeag.com/how-is-artificial-intelligence-ai-being-used-in-agriculture/
[^2]: Agroinsurance. "Robots and the future of agriculture: Australian experience." https://agroinsurance.com/en/robots-and-the-future-of-agriculture-australian-experience
[^3]: National Farmers' Federation. (2025, October). "Rural productivity tipped to drop due to labour shortages." https://nff.org.au/media-release/rural-productivity-tipped-to-drop-due-to-labour-shortages/
[^4]: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. "Farmers finding solutions to ease labour shortages." https://www.agriculture.gov.au/about/news/farmers-finding-solutions-labour-shortages
[^5]: Centre for Entrepreneurial Agri-Technology. (2020, November 24). "Robotics in Australian Agriculture." https://ceat.org.au/robotics-in-australian-agriculture/
[^6]: GRDC. (2022, February). "Automation: opportunities for adoption in agriculture." https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2022/02/automation-opportunities-for-adoption-in-agriculture
[^7]: GOFAR. (2022, May 30). "Connectivity in Australia: how it applies to Ag Robots and Autonomous tractors." https://www.agricultural-robotics.com/news/connectivity-in-australia-how-it-applies-to-ag-robots-and-autonomous-tractors
[^8]: CSIRO Publishing. "Digital agricultural innovations: Review of barriers to adoption and opportunities in Australian agriculture." https://www.publish.csiro.au/cp/pdf/CP21594