According to historians and anthropologists, it is estimated that approximately 10,000 years ago agriculture was born. This historical event revolutionized the history of human development forever, completely transforming the way of life and the survival of the species.

From that moment and with the initial use of tools focused on tilling the soil, there has been talk of mechanisms and/or machinery that can serve to make the farmer’s life easier and enhance the agricultural development of their fields.

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Within the framework of agricultural evolution, machinery has been a fundamental pillar for the development and improvement of agricultural practices.

From the beginnings of agriculture thousands of years ago to the present day, when technology and innovation are stealing much of the limelight, we have witnessed the emergence of increasingly sophisticated machines that have revolutionized the way we grow and produce food.

Recently, I came across a fascinating article entitled “Machines that 10 years ago were utopias and today are reality”, published in MAQUINAC.

This article highlights how robotics, automation and Artificial Intelligence have taken center stage in the agricultural sector, and how they have gone from being futuristic concepts to become real and effective tools for farmers.

Technological progress in the field of agricultural machinery has made it possible to optimize tasks and increase productivity, while reducing the negative impact on the environment.

The application of robotics and automation has made it possible to develop machines that can perform specific tasks with precision and without human intervention, which in turn decreases the need for labor and increases the efficiency of agricultural operations.

One of the highlights of the article is the evolution in weed control. Autonomous machines can detect and selectively eliminate these weeds using targeted herbicides. In this way, they reduce the need to apply chemicals over the entire area and minimize environmental impact (precision farming at its best).

This technology represents a significant advance in the quest for more sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices.

At the moment, my R&D team at Elite Blu is working, with the help of Space AG – a technology-based startup focused on Artificial Intelligence – on predicting blueberry harvests in our fields. This makes it possible to improve estimates and, consequently, the commercialization of production.

Just imagine if this technology is applied more broadly to crops and in turn integrated into the agricultural machinery that runs through our fields on a frequent basis.

The implementation of these technologies has not only been beneficial to yield and productivity in the field, but has also opened up opportunities for further research and development in the agricultural sector.

It is exciting to see how robotics, automation and artificial intelligence are creating an environment conducive to the creation of centers specializing in the analysis and development of technology applied to agriculture.

In my opinion, these advances represent a unique opportunity for the agricultural sector. As an agricultural engineer with a passion for the countryside, I recognize the potential of these technologies to drive the sustainable development of agriculture.

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Collaboration between the different stakeholders, both public and private, is essential to continue advancing in the implementation of these solutions and to achieve a more efficient, productive and environmentally friendly agriculture.

Agricultural machinery has come a long way since the dawn of agriculture, and today we are facing a new era in which technology provides us with more powerful and sophisticated tools to meet the challenges of global food production.

It is time to look ahead and take full advantage of the potential of robotics, automation and artificial intelligence in the field.

The future of agricultural machinery is exciting, and I am convinced that, with the proper use of these technologies, we will achieve a more productive, efficient and sustainable agriculture.

We must continue to promote research, collaboration and investment in the development of technological solutions that will boost the growth and competitiveness of the agricultural sector, thus ensuring food security and the well-being of the population in the present and future generations.

The dream of a technologically advanced agriculture is becoming a reality, and we must embrace this change with enthusiasm and responsibility.

The evolution of agricultural machinery is proof that progress and sustainability can go hand in hand, and offers us the opportunity to build a better world for generations to come.

The following are milestones in the history of agricultural machinery.

Many will wonder what of all this list is being used in Colombia and Latin America and I am afraid it is not much. In many areas of our continental geography, old methods are still used, but in many occasions practical, according to the reality of each area.

I cannot criticize the places that still use animals to plow the fields, due to the socioeconomic conditions and also because of the product approach, since as we know there are markets willing to pay for practices that, according to their criteria, are more sustainable.

In any case, we are going through a historical era with more environmental awareness, so I trust that this new era of agricultural machinery will continue to be built, with practices that are more responsible with the environment and the future of humanity and the planet.

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