Stakeholders' perspective on smart farming robotic solutions

Abstract

This study examines agricultural stakeholders' perceptions of robotic farming technologies through feedback collection and analysis in the context of Robs4Crops project, employing a mixed-method approach that combines quantitative and qualitative questionnaires. Feedback was gathered from 104 participants, including farmers, researchers, tech providers, policy makers, and others in demonstrations across France, Greece, Spain, and The Netherlands, along with 54 agricultural students engaged in demonstrations at the Agricultural University of Athens. The findings highlight the potential of robotic solutions in agriculture. Agricultural stakeholders highlighted key benefits such as labour reduction, cost efficiency, and improved productivity, alongside challenges like high initial costs, technical skill gaps, and scepticism, particularly among older generations. Practical, hands-on demonstrations emerged as a pivotal factor in changing perceptions and fostering acceptance, with stakeholders advocating for user-friendly tools, financial incentives, and collaborative farming models. Agricultural students, as future practitioners, showed limited prior familiarity with technologies like Digital Twins and Farming Controller for remote monitoring of robots but demonstrated strong engagement and learning during demonstrations. Students valued automation, resource efficiency, and reduced chemical use as key benefits, while also stressed the importance of interactive learning experiences such as task simulations and real-world applications to bridge knowledge gaps effectively. The findings underscore the importance of tailored strategies to engage both current and future stakeholders. Addressing barriers through targeted education, financial support, and inclusive outreach can facilitate the integration of robotic solutions into sustainable agriculture. By fostering collaboration among farmers, students, researchers, and policymakers, this study outlines a roadmap for leveraging robotic innovations to advance agricultural efficiency, sustainability, and resilience.