Review of the world market of agriculture robotics. Part 2. Unmanned aerial vehicles and robotic farms

The overview is presented of the world market of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in terms of their use in agriculture. The main tasks of agriculture are described that can be solved by using the UAVs. Conclusions are made about the advantage of the UAVs when compared to satellites and small aircraft. The developments of the main players of the UAV market are given with brief description of the technical characteristics of the vehicles and the technologies of their work. The world experience of the use of UAVs in cattle breeding, plant growing (including that in pest control and chemical applications) is presented. The main advantages and prospects of using UAVs in agriculture are highlighted. The overview is given of such an area of robotics as the robotic farming. The technologies of full robotization of farms are described and existing global projects of urban farms and robo-farms are presented for consideration. The advantages and disadvantages of these technologies are considered. Conclusions are made about the effectiveness and the promises of the introduction of UAV technologies and robo-farming in agriculture.