In an ambitious move to modernize agriculture in South Carolina, researchers at South Carolina State University are combining robotics and artificial intelligence to address the needs of underserved and veteran farmers in Clarendon County and beyond. Their innovative program, led by Dr. Joe Mari Maja, Senior Researcher and Director of the Center of Applied Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Agriculture, and research assistant Van Patiluna, promises to equip farmers with tools that increase efficiency, reduce costs, and make farming more sustainable.
At the heart of their initiative is an array of robots designed to tackle critical agricultural tasks, such as spraying, harvesting, and inventory management. These robots are programmed to work autonomously, reducing the physical labor and time investment traditionally required of farmers. Their capabilities will soon be demonstrated in a series of workshops funded by a recently awarded grant, with sessions planned for summer 2025.
High-tech farming tools in action
One of the program’s most significant innovations is an autonomous sprayer capable of reducing chemical use by up to 40% while maintaining crop quality. The sprayer applies defoliants with precision, targeting cotton plants from multiple angles instead of the traditional top-down method.
“Normally, sprayers just spray from above, which can miss parts of the plant,” Maja explained. “Our system ensures every area is covered while using fewer chemicals, saving farmers money.”
Another notable development is the autonomous harvesting robot, which can be programmed to follow specific paths in a field. Once programmed, the robot can repeat these routes year after year, making it an efficient and reusable tool.
“The good thing about our system is that it’s fully programmable,” said Patiluna. “Farmers can save the data from one season and use it again the next.”
Additionally, drones equipped with RFID readers enable farmers to track plant inventory accurately. These drones can locate tagged plants in a nursery or field, significantly reducing the time and effort required for manual tracking.
“This is especially useful for nurseries where plants are often moved around,” said Patiluna. “The drone reads the RFID tags and maps their exact locations, so farmers can easily find what they need.”
Supporting local and veteran farmers
The initiative places a strong emphasis on small-scale and veteran farmers. For veterans transitioning to agriculture, the program’s high-tech approach aligns with their familiarity with advanced systems.
“Many veterans are already comfortable with technology,” Maja said. “That makes it easier for them to adapt these tools to their farming operations.”
By focusing on veterans, the program seeks to lower barriers to entry into farming, a field often viewed as inaccessible due to high startup costs and steep learning curves.
“Veterans and small farmers often face significant challenges when starting or sustaining a farm,” said Maja. “This technology is designed to make the process easier and more manageable.”
Teaching the technology
Recognizing that new technology can be intimidating, Maja and Patiluna are prioritizing education. The grant includes funding for hands-on workshops to introduce farmers to the robots and drones, demonstrate their capabilities, and teach participants how to incorporate them into their daily operations.
“One of the biggest barriers is that farmers often see technology as too complicated,” Maja said. “We’re working to change that perception by offering practical, hands-on training that shows them just how easy it can be to use these tools.”
The workshops, to be held in Clarendon County and other key locations, including areas near Shaw Air Force Base, will provide farmers with an opportunity to test the technology firsthand.
“Farmers will leave with practical knowledge they can apply immediately,” Maja said. “The goal is to show them that this technology isn’t something to fear but something that can make their lives easier.”
To ensure the program’s success, the team plans to collaborate with local extension offices and agricultural organizations. These partnerships will help identify farmers who would benefit most from the workshops and encourage participation.
A vision for the future
The ultimate goal of the program is to create a more sustainable and efficient agricultural system in South Carolina. By introducing robotics and artificial intelligence to farming, the team hopes to position the state as a leader in modern agriculture.
“This is about creating farming without the physical work,” said Maja. “Farmers can control everything from their computer, where to plow, where to spray, and let the machines handle the rest.”
For local farmers in Clarendon County, the workshops represent a chance to embrace the future of farming and gain tools that could transform their operations.
“We want to help farmers see the value of these tools,” said Maja. “Technology can make farming more accessible and profitable for everyone, and that’s a future we’re excited to be a part of.”
With workshops set to begin next summer, Clarendon County farmers can look forward to an opportunity to explore the innovative world of AI-powered agriculture, which promises to change the way farming is done.
