Russia Develops Smart Farming Robot to Boost Agricultural Efficiency

A new prototype from Vologda scientists promises to automate routine farm tasks, freeing up labor and improving product quality.

Russian researchers have unveiled a prototype of a mobile agricultural robot designed to automate repetitive tasks in farming. Developed by scientists at the Vologda State Dairy Farming Academy in partnership with the Youth Innovation Creativity Center (CMIT), the robot is intended to reduce manual labor and improve operational efficiency, reports Svetich.

The compact, self-driving machine can recognize and follow its owner without relying on satellite navigation. Future versions will be equipped with lidar, rangefinders, and cameras to perform precise agricultural operations.

According to project lead Roman Shushkov, the robot will take over monotonous tasks such as feeding calves and harvesting crops, allowing workers to focus on more complex duties. The development is supported by both private farms and government initiatives. Regional Agriculture Minister Sergey Voropaev noted that the state will cover up to 90 percent of the implementation costs for such technologies.

These innovations are expected to reduce physical strain on farmers while enhancing product quality through greater precision and timeliness. A larger prototype is planned, with field tests scheduled for the near future.

The project marks another step in Russia’s drive to digitize agriculture, making advanced technologies accessible even to small farms.