Farm Robotics Challenge
Innovate agriculture with AI and robotics in a student competition
What is Farm Robotics Challenge? Complete Overview
The Farm Robotics Challenge is a prestigious competition that brings together student teams to solve real-world agricultural problems using cutting-edge robotics and AI. Organized by UCANR Innovate, the AI Institute for Next Generation Food Systems (AIFS), and supported by partners like the Reservoir and Bonsai Robotics, the challenge encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. Teams design and prototype solutions for tasks such as planting, weeding, harvesting, pest management, and data collection. The competition evaluates entries based on technical accuracy, design innovation, safety, societal benefit, and commercial viability. Open to middle schools, high schools, community colleges, and universities, the challenge offers over $100K in prizes, including a $50K Grand Prize, and opportunities to network with industry leaders.
Farm Robotics Challenge Interface & Screenshots
Farm Robotics Challenge Official screenshot of the tool interface
What Can Farm Robotics Challenge Do? Key Features
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Teams are encouraged to include members with diverse technical skills, fostering collaboration across disciplines such as engineering, agriculture, and computer science. This approach ensures comprehensive solutions to complex agricultural problems.
Real-World Problem Solving
Participants work directly with growers to identify pressing agricultural issues, ensuring their solutions are practical and impactful. This hands-on experience bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world application.
Cutting-Edge Technology
Teams leverage autonomous navigation, AI, and specialized robotic attachments to develop innovative solutions. The competition provides access to advanced tools and platforms, enabling high-tech prototypes.
Professional Development
Participants gain in-demand job skills, expand their professional networks, and receive mentorship from industry experts. The challenge serves as a launchpad for careers in ag-tech and robotics.
Substantial Prizes
With over $100K in prizes, including a $50K Grand Prize and travel stipends to FIRA USA, the competition rewards excellence and innovation, motivating teams to push the boundaries of agricultural technology.
Best Farm Robotics Challenge Use Cases & Applications
Automated Weeding
A team develops a robotic system that uses AI to distinguish between crops and weeds, autonomously removing weeds with precision. This reduces herbicide use and labor costs, benefiting organic and conventional farms alike.
Precision Planting
Students design a robotic planter that optimizes seed placement based on soil conditions and historical data. The system increases yield and reduces seed waste, demonstrating the potential of AI in precision agriculture.
Pest Management
A prototype uses drones and ground robots to monitor pest activity and apply targeted treatments. This solution minimizes chemical use and protects beneficial insects, promoting sustainable farming practices.
How to Use Farm Robotics Challenge: Step-by-Step Guide
Assemble a team of motivated students with diverse technical skills. Teams can be from middle schools, high schools, community colleges, or universities, with each division having specific requirements.
Identify a real-world agricultural problem in collaboration with a grower. Focus on areas like planting, weeding, harvesting, or pest management, ensuring the problem is suitable for robotic and AI solutions.
Design and prototype a solution using autonomous navigation, AI, and specialized robotic attachments. Utilize the resources and mentorship provided by the competition to refine your approach.
Submit your project proposal by the deadline (November 14, 2025). Ensure your submission highlights technical accuracy, innovation, safety, and societal benefit.
Develop and test your solution during the designated period (November 2025 - April 2026). Iterate based on feedback and field testing to improve performance and viability.
Submit your final project by May 3, 2026, and present at the Awards Ceremony on May 21, 2026. Compete for prizes and recognition, and leverage the competition's network to advance your innovation.
Farm Robotics Challenge Pros and Cons: Honest Review
Pros
Considerations
Is Farm Robotics Challenge Worth It? FAQ & Reviews
The challenge is open to middle schools, high schools, community colleges, and universities. Teams must include a team advisor, such as a faculty member, teacher, or graduate student.
Registration opens August 1, 2025. Project proposals are due November 14, 2025, and final projects are due May 3, 2026. The Awards Ceremony is on May 21, 2026.
Projects must address real-world agricultural problems using robotics and AI. Examples include automated weeding, precision planting, pest management, and data collection.
Entries are judged on technical accuracy, design innovation, safety, system complexity, interdisciplinary collaboration, societal benefit, and commercial viability.
The competition offers over $100K in prizes, including a $50K Grand Prize, travel stipends to FIRA USA, and other awards. See the Prizes page for details.