qld.gov.au
Department of Primary Industries

Robots are no longer just a concept for the future; they’re already revolutionising farms across Queensland.

Turning everyday tasks into seamless workflows

Automation is turning everyday tasks into seamless workflows, solving long-standing challenges like labour shortages, improving efficiency, and enabling producers to focus on what matters most.

With Queensland at the forefront of agricultural robotics innovation, there’s never been a better time to explore the possibilities.

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Show transcript

Daryl Boardman (Sunnyspot Packhouse): We're inspired by new technologies all the time in our business, whether it be in the packing shed or on the farm.

Dr Juxi Leitner (LYRO Robotics): For this reason, we see a lot of applications where robots can improve the quality of life for farmers, growers, and also consumers.

Daryl Boardman (Sunnyspot Packhouse): Hi, I'm Daryl Boardman, Director of Sunnyspot Packhouse. We predominantly grow avocados and pack and market avocados. Staff is one of our biggest issues, whether it be in our packing shed or on our farms.

The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) came to us with a start-up company called "LYRO" that had a robot capable of moving fruit from the machine into a box. We saw that as a great opportunity because staffing is always an issue, as people can get sick. This robot might be one way of alleviating some of those challenges we face.

Dr Juxi Leitner (LYRO Robotics): Today, here at Sunnyspot, we’ve deployed a robot that can pack avocados directly from the line into a cardboard box. The robot does this by combining computer vision, machine learning, and robotic grasping. It sees an avocado coming down the line, decides how to grasp it without damaging the fruit, picks it up, and places it perfectly into a cardboard box.

Even though today we’re packing avocados, the technology behind it isn’t limited to specific produce or items. It can pack avocados today and mangoes tomorrow.

Daryl Boardman (Sunnyspot Packhouse): From the avocado industry’s perspective, we’re a very progressive industry. Technology like this is valuable in times of disruption—whether it’s from natural disasters, employee illness, pandemics, or similar circumstances. This machine can continue working for us and help keep our business running.

Dr Juxi Leitner (LYRO Robotics): The future for robotics and AI is bright, especially in agriculture, where there are a lot of dirty, dull, and dangerous jobs—what we call the "Three Ds" in robotics.

We’re at the start of our robotics deployment journey and are looking forward to integrating more robotic systems to assist with tasks that require hand-eye coordination on a daily basis.

Daryl Boardman (Sunnyspot Packhouse): For other growers or businesses interested in exploring technology, my advice is to always keep an open mind. Some technology will work really well, and some won’t, but if you don't explore these opportunities, you’ll never know what may or may not benefit your operation.

End of transcript.

Your 24/7 farming partners

Robots have emerged as a powerful ally for Queensland farmers in solving real-world problems.

Technologies like drones, precision tractors, and automated harvesters are creating opportunities to work smarter—not harder—every single day:

  • Robots can delicately pick apples, berries, capsicums, and lettuce while ensuring minimal waste.
  • Autonomous drones and ground robots can round up livestock across large open ranges.
  • Machines identify problem areas with sensors and cameras, targeting interventions for maximum effect.

These tools don't just simplify operations; they generate valuable data that allows farmers to optimise processes and improve results. And for those willing to explore AgTech, the possibilities are endless.

Robotics and automation

Understanding the basics of robotics and automation helps you see how these technologies can benefit your operation:

  • Robots are machines programmed to perform tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously using advanced systems of motors, sensors, and software.
  • Robotics is the engineering, design, and programming behind creating robots.
  • Automation is the process of using technology to complete tasks more efficiently with minimal human intervention.

For example, attaching advanced systems to a drone—like sensors that navigate the landscape or cameras that measure crop health turns it into a robotic tool capable of automated, intelligent action.

Types of robots in agriculture

Robots come in different forms, each designed to make specific agricultural tasks easier:

  • Mobile robots: Drones, tractors, or wheeled devices that move through fields to complete tasks.
  • Swarming robots: Robots that collaborate to optimise large-scale tasks like weeding and planting.
  • Collaborative robots (cobots): Robots that work side-by-side with humans, often assisting with repetitive or labour-intensive jobs.
  • Industrial robots: Fixed machines embedded in packing or production lines for precision tasks.
  • Fully robotic systems: Autonomous solutions for dairies, processing facilities, and even ports.

How agricultural robots work

Agricultural robots are designed to turn hard work into smart work.

While each system is built for different tasks, most robotic platforms combine:

  • task-specific hardware engineered for precise jobs such as planting, weeding, harvesting, spraying or monitoring
  • electrical and mechanical systems that provide power, mobility, actuation and control
  • sensors and real-time data inputs (such as cameras, GPS, LiDAR or soil sensors) that help robots understand their environment
  • software and algorithms that translate data into decisions, enabling autonomous or semi-autonomous actions

Together, these features make agricultural robots highly adaptable across different farming systems:

  • drones use cameras and sensors to monitor crop health, map fields, and detect early signs of stress or disease
  • robotic arms can sort, grade and pack produce gently based on size, colour or ripeness
  • machine-learning systems allow robots to adapt and improve performance over time, increasing reliability and accuracy
  • autonomous vehicles and platforms can perform routine tasks such as mowing, seeding, sampling or spraying with consistent precision.

Benefits of robotics for your farm

Using robots isn’t just about cutting-edge tech; it’s a practical way to improve farming today:

  • 24/7 operation: Robots can work day and night, in all weather conditions.
  • Increased efficiency: Robots complete repetitive or complex tasks faster and more consistently.
  • Cost and labour savings: Automation reduces dependence on labour-intensive work and minimises human error.
  • Enhanced safety: Robots take over dangerous tasks, reducing risks for workers.
  • Improved quality: Standardisation ensures better product consistency.
  • Sustainability metrics: Robots use precise applications, reducing waste and conserving resources.

By removing repetitive tasks and automating operations, robotics can significantly reduce your workload while improving results across crops, livestock, and other farm areas, future-proofing your farm.

Meet the Jurgens family from Bowen

This family of vegetable growers is trialling autonomous farming systems to address labour challenges and improve consistency in horticulture. This AgTech enables 24/7 precision operation, reduces soil compaction, and allows workers to focus on higher-value tasks.

Considerations for robotics adoption

As with any innovation, adopting robotics comes with its challenges:

  • High upfront costs for purchasing new robots or systems.
  • Limited availability of local suppliers or technical support in rural areas.
  • Connectivity requirements, such as mobile signal, internet access, or reliable power.
  • Need for skilled operators to manage and troubleshoot robotic technologies.
  • Data ownership, cybersecurity risks, and regular updates.

But progress is being made. Many companies now offer ‘robots as a service’ where you only pay for what you use, such as hours of operation or area serviced. This flexible model makes robotics more accessible and reduces financial risk.

Support from Queensland Smart Farms, the department’s extension officers, and local suppliers is also here to help farmers adopt robotics in ways that suit their unique needs.

Queensland leads agricultural robotics innovation

Queensland leads the way in agricultural robotics, with cutting-edge research and local companies creating world-class solutions.

Here’s what’s happening near you:

Research:

  • Harvey and AgBot II, developed by Queensland University of Technology, are advancing crop and weed management.
  • The Digital Homestead, developed by James Cook University, supports agricultural automation research for Northern Queensland farms.
  • Mango Auto-Harvester, developed by Central Queensland University, reduces waste and labour for mango farmers.

Industry:

  • SwarmFarm Robotics creates autonomous crop robots in Emerald.
  • LYRO Robotics develops pick-and-pack robots tailored for Queensland horticulture.
  • Lely and Diverseco offer robotic milking machines and automated strawberry-processing solutions.

Queensland is shaping the future of agriculture with world-class research and industry collaboration. Through events like the Gatton AgTech Showcase, farmers and innovators are coming together to see how robotics and automation are solving real-world farming challenges.

Gatton AgTech Showcase

With over 1,000 attendees, the Gatton AgTech Showcase is designed for primary producers, researchers, and AgTech innovators eager to explore robotics and automation transforming agriculture.

Hosted at our Gatton Smart Farm, this two-day event highlights the remarkable advancements in agricultural technology and their real-world impact on farms across Queensland and beyond. It’s an opportunity to connect, share ideas, and see AgTech technologies working live on a farm!

The showcase is funded by Hort Innovation, using the Vegetable and Onion Research and Development Levies, with contributions from the Australian Government and co-investment from the Queensland Department of Primary Industries.

Subscribe to our agriculture newsletter to stay updated on the next showcase.

Future of AgTech robotics

Robotics technology is evolving rapidly, bringing new capabilities to agriculture through advances in artificial intelligence, machine vision, and nanotechnology.

Exciting areas of development include:

  • swarm robotics that work together for precise and scalable crop management
  • autonomous vehicles for planting, spraying, and fertilising with minimal human intervention
  • nanorobots for monitoring livestock health and administering targeted treatments at a cellular level.

As these technologies become more accessible, they promise to tackle issues like labour shortages, reduce input costs, and significantly improve sustainability for farms of all sizes.

Explore robotics for your farm

Ready to experience the future of farming and discover how robotics can transform your operation?

Last updated: 10 Dec 2025