Abstract
The current review deals with various aspects of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture with particular emphasis on food crops. The review starts with a brief account of what robotics and AI really mean, followed by a brief history of the development and use of robots and AI, in parallel with the development and growth of the concept of precision agriculture (particularly the development of unmanned ground vehicles [UGVs] including autonomous tractors). The major part of the review deals with modern technologies in agriculture with particular emphasis on development and use of robots for different agricultural operations including the following: planting (preparations of field and seeding), plant care and crop management (including weeding, thinning, pruning, plant protection measures), crop scouting (use of sensors and geo-mapping), picking and harvesting, and post-harvest technology (packaging, transport, and storage). This section is followed by a brief account of the following aspects: some case studies of using robotics and AI, cost effectiveness of using robotics and AI, and technologies for plant production under controlled conditions (greenhouse agriculture, in vitro culture, and gene banks). The next section deals with the future of robotics and AI in agriculture, which is also an important section that includes development and growth of technologies in agricultural operations in different parts of the world including Asia (Singapore, China, and India), the USA, Canada, Europe, and Australia. At the end, conclusions and prospects are provided.