Labor shortages in the agricultural sector are expected to become increasingly severe in the future. To address this challenge and ensure that agriculture remains a sustainable industry over the long term, it is essential to achieve substantial labor-savings through the use of automated agricultural machinery, as well as to realize efficient and safe farm operations by effectively utilizing data.
In this department, we are promoting the following three initiatives to tackle these challenges. First, by leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, we are developing technologies that enable the simultaneous operation of multiple automated agricultural machines. In parallel, we support the development of institutional frameworks for operation on public roads, thereby accelerating the introduction and social implementation of automated agricultural machinery in practical farming settings.
Second, to enable automated agricultural machinery to handle a wider range of tasks, we aim to develop control technologies that utilize field condition data, together with labor-saving technologies for levee weed control and water management. Through these efforts, we seek to create technologies that are easy for anyone to use, ensure consistent work quality, and shorten the learning period required to master operation.
Third, in the field of protected horticulture, we are advancing the development of multi-purpose robots capable of performing various tasks. These efforts include expanding their applicability to multiple operations, such as lower-leaf removal, as well as extending their use beyond large-fruit tomato cultivation to other crops.
