Analysis of Current and Expected Future Capability of European Union in Robotics Technology for Agriculture Domain

Abstract

The article analyses the present state of robotics development for agriculture in European Union and learns the possibilities of community members progress in this direction for upcoming years. The paper gives definition of the term „Robot”, types of autonomous machines and areas of robotics application. Special attention is paid to the Europe’s share in the global agriculture machinery, modern trends in agriculture, practical areas and benefits of robotics usage. Survey of the global sales statistics, types of best realized service robots and possible progress scenarios in Europe are investigated. General overview is prepared for the current key European prototype projects in agriculture domain. Separate section of the work is dedicated to European autonomous machines for Arable Farming, Livestock Farming and Special Crops. The newest three research projects under the program Horizon 2020 concerning agricultural sphere are described. Data of the article are based on information from EURoborics AISBL, analytical reports and official web-sites of prototype projects.