Robots in Farming: Ethical Challenges
- David Bell
- 2 days ago
- 10 min read
Robots are reshaping farming, but at what cost? Automation in agriculture promises better efficiency, reduced chemical use, and solutions to labour shortages. However, it also raises concerns about job losses, inequality, and environmental impact. The UK, where the average farmer is 58 years old, faces these challenges as robotic systems like "Thorvald" reduce human labour by 40% and cut fungicide use by 90%. While larger farms benefit from the high-tech shift, smaller ones may struggle with costs, risking deeper economic divides. Ethical questions about liability, data control, and the loss of generational expertise further complicate the transition. Balancing efficiency with fairness is key to ensuring robots complement rather than replace human roles in agriculture.
1. Arguments for Robot Farming
Economic Impact
Supporters of robot farming often point to its potential for cost savings and improved efficiency. For instance, precision application of pesticides and herbicides using robotic systems can reduce these costs by up to 90% [8]. Additionally, this technology offers a solution to the growing labour shortage in agriculture, a pressing issue in the UK as the farming workforce ages and fewer young people take up agricultural jobs.
In December 2025, Sunnyspot Packhouse in Queensland introduced a pick-and-pack robot developed by LYRO Robotics. As Daryl Boardman, the director, explained:
Staff is one of our biggest issues, whether it be in our packing shed or on our farms... This robot might be one way of alleviating some of those challenges we face [7].
This robot, equipped with computer vision and machine learning, efficiently packs avocados directly from the production line, addressing staffing challenges caused by worker shortages and illnesses.
Robots have the added advantage of operating 24/7, regardless of weather conditions, which significantly boosts productivity compared to human labour [7]. Smaller robots also enable farming on irregularly shaped or smaller fields, areas that were previously unprofitable to cultivate with large machinery [1]. For farms hesitant about the high initial costs of robotic equipment, the Robots as a Service (RaaS) model offers an alternative, allowing payments based on usage - either by the hour or the area serviced - rather than requiring a hefty upfront investment [7].
These economic benefits align closely with the environmental advantages robotics can bring to farming.
Environmental Sustainability
Robotics in farming also bring environmental advantages by prioritising precision and efficient resource use. For example, robotic systems can significantly reduce the amount of chemicals sprayed on crops [8]. Advanced AI sensors monitor soil conditions, moisture levels, and nutrient deficiencies in real time, ensuring that water and fertilisers are applied only where and when they are needed [8][9].
The Robs4crops project, launched in 2022, tested robotic systems across Europe. Trials included mechanical weeding in vineyards in the Loire Valley, France, and sugar beet fields in Oldambt, Netherlands, using robots like the CEOL-robot and Robotti 150D [1]. These trials not only enhanced labour efficiency but also reduced chemical usage. Additionally, smaller and lighter robots minimise soil compaction, which helps improve crop yields and supports long-term soil health [1][7]. Some field robots even run on renewable energy sources, such as solar power, further reducing greenhouse gas emissions [1].
By addressing efficiency and sustainability, robotic farming also offers potential social benefits.
Social Equity
Robotics in farming could transform working conditions by automating jobs often described as "dirty, dull, and dangerous" [7]. By shifting labour demands towards roles in digital management and high-skill operations, the technology could attract younger, highly educated workers who might otherwise avoid traditional farming [1][6]. This shift has the potential to revitalise rural areas that are currently facing depopulation and an ageing workforce. The value of robotics became especially clear during the COVID-19 pandemic, when farms heavily reliant on seasonal migrant workers struggled with severe labour shortages [6].
Ethical Accountability
While the economic, environmental, and social benefits are compelling, robotics in farming must also adhere to high ethical standards. Advocates stress the importance of integrating ethical considerations into robotic systems from the outset. "Responsible Innovation" frameworks are designed to ensure that safety, transparency, and trust are prioritised during the development process [8][2]. For example, using interpretable AI models allows farmers to understand and question automated decisions, such as those involving chemical application rates or carbon footprint assessments, rather than relying on opaque "black box" systems [8]. This level of transparency is essential for maintaining farmer autonomy and ensuring accountability in the event of errors or disputes.
2. Arguments Against Robot Farming
Economic Impact
One major concern about robotic farming is its potential to widen economic inequalities. The hefty initial investment required for robotic systems often gives an edge to large-scale industrial farms, making it tough for smaller, family-owned farms to compete. For example, in countries like Greece, where fields are typically smaller and more irregular in shape, the high cost of robotics compared to labour makes adoption challenging [1]. This situation can pressure smaller farms to consolidate or even shut down.
Additionally, the shift towards automation creates demand for roles in maintenance and data analysis, which require advanced technical skills. However, traditional agricultural workers often lack this expertise. Kirsten Ayris, a researcher at the University of Reading, highlighted this issue:
The adoption and implementation of agricultural robotics is not uncontroversial... [it could] create unemployment by removing traditional agricultural roles [10].
In parts of the EU, such as Romania and Bulgaria, agriculture remains a significant employer, accounting for over 20% and 16.6% of the workforce, respectively [1]. Automation could therefore disrupt rural economies that rely heavily on seasonal labour. For instance, during a pilot project in the Netherlands, robotic failures forced farms to rely on manual labour to prevent operational breakdowns [1]. These economic challenges could reshape rural labour markets, often to the detriment of small-scale farmers and workers.
Social Equity
Automation also poses risks to social equity by creating a labour market divided between high-skilled technical jobs and the disappearance of low-skilled manual roles. Migrant and seasonal workers, who have traditionally taken on essential but physically demanding jobs like fruit picking, weeding, and packing, are particularly vulnerable. In horticulture, labour costs can make up nearly 40% of a farm's operational expenses [11], putting these roles squarely in the crosshairs of automation.
Another pressing issue is the control of data. Many large technology companies retain ownership of the data generated by farm robots, limiting farmers' access to and control over critical operational information [1]. Researchers Bronson and Knezevic have warned about the broader implications of this trend:
Agricultural digitalization and automation will inevitably reinforce social, economic, and racial inequities in labour, skills development, and rural spatiality [11].
This imbalance in data ownership and access raises serious questions about the autonomy and decision-making power of farmers in an increasingly automated industry.
Environmental Sustainability
The environmental impact of robotic farming adds another layer of complexity. While advocates of precision agriculture argue that it can reduce chemical usage, critics question whether automation truly supports sustainable farming or simply reinforces existing industrial methods. Robots themselves come with an environmental cost, from their production and energy use to their eventual disposal [3]. There’s also a risk that automation could perpetuate reliance on chemical inputs rather than encouraging a shift towards agroecological practices [5].
Focusing too heavily on technological fixes might also divert attention and resources from broader, more integrated approaches to sustainability. Instead of addressing the root causes of environmental degradation, robotic systems risk making unsustainable practices more efficient without solving the underlying problems.
Ethical Accountability
Ethical concerns further complicate the adoption of robotic farming. One major issue is liability - what happens when autonomous robots cause damage to crops, property, or even people? Current laws often lag behind technological advances, leaving farmers, manufacturers, and software developers in a grey area of responsibility [1]. This legal uncertainty could expose farmers to unexpected risks.
Another ethical dilemma is the potential loss of generational farming expertise. As more decisions are made by algorithms rather than experienced farmers, the accumulated knowledge passed down through generations could be lost [5]. This raises a critical question: should we entrust vital agricultural decisions - impacting food security, environmental health, and rural livelihoods - to machines, especially when clear accountability frameworks are lacking?
Advantages and Disadvantages
Let’s break down the key advantages and challenges of robotic farming, touching on economic, environmental, social, and ethical aspects.
Economically, robots bring long-term savings. They can operate around the clock, regardless of weather, slashing operational costs and reducing pesticide use by up to 90%. They also help address labour shortages [1][7][8]. However, the initial investment is steep, which can be a major hurdle for smaller farms. This creates a risk of larger industrial farms gaining more control, leaving smaller farms struggling to compete [7][12].
On the environmental front, robotic systems are impressive. They can cut chemical usage by 80% [8] and, thanks to their smaller size, minimise soil compaction compared to traditional heavy machinery [1][7]. However, there are downsides, such as the potential for toxic leaks from hardware and increased energy demands [8][12]. Dr Mark Howard, a Philosophy Research Fellow at Monash University, warns:
There's a risk that robots could impact negatively on biodiversity and on the environmental sustainability of agriculture more generally [12].
From a social and ethical perspective, automation removes the "Three Ds" - dirty, dull, and dangerous jobs [7] - and might attract younger, tech-savvy workers to rural areas [1]. But this shift could displace traditional agricultural labourers, particularly migrant and seasonal workers, who may lack the skills needed to operate these advanced systems [1][12]. Furthermore, 78% of farmers express concerns about unauthorised data sharing or misuse, highlighting a significant trust gap between farmers and technology providers [8].
Dimension | Advantages | Disadvantages |
Economic | 24/7 operation; 90% reduction in chemical costs; addresses labour shortages [8][7]. | High upfront costs; ongoing maintenance expenses; risk of digital divide favouring large farms [7][12]. |
Environmental | Cuts chemical use by 80%; reduces soil compaction [1][8]. | Increased energy consumption; potential for chemical mismanagement [8][12]. |
Social | Removes physically demanding tasks; creates high-skill tech jobs; attracts younger workers [1][7]. | Job loss for traditional workers; loss of farming knowledge; workforce deskilling [1][12]. |
Ethical | Better animal welfare via constant monitoring; safer food production [1][12]. | Data privacy risks; unclear liability for system errors; power imbalance with tech providers [1][8]. |
Robotic farming clearly has transformative potential, but it’s not without its challenges. Balancing these benefits and drawbacks will be critical for the future of agriculture.
Conclusion
Looking back at the discussions above, it’s clear that the future of robotic farming depends on innovation that is guided by ethical principles. While robotic farming promises constant efficiency and improved working conditions, it also carries risks - such as widening inequality, displacing vulnerable workers, and diminishing traditional skills. Addressing these challenges requires a cooperative and inclusive approach.
Rather than treating the adoption of robotic farming as a foregone conclusion, developers need to actively involve farmworkers, small-scale farmers, and rural communities in shaping the technology [5]. The AIRR framework offers a way to balance innovation with responsibility [2][5]. As Professor David Christian Rose aptly stated:
Ultimately the success or failure of autonomous robots in agriculture will not rest on the limits of our technical enterprise, but on our ability to involve society, learn from it, and respond appropriately.
To align economic goals with ethical imperatives, strong policy measures are essential. A fair transition should be at the heart of these policies, ensuring distributional justice (equitable sharing of benefits), procedural justice (inclusive decision-making), and recognitional justice (amplifying marginalised voices). Governments also have a role to play by funding reskilling programmes, establishing clear liability frameworks, and enforcing robust data protection policies to ensure farmers maintain control over their data [1][5].
The aim shouldn’t be to replace humans entirely but to share responsibilities - letting robots handle repetitive tasks while humans focus on supervision and decision-making [3][4]. With the agricultural robotics market expected to grow to US$17.29 billion by 2030 [1], the decisions made today will profoundly influence the future of farming, rural livelihoods, and global food security for years to come.
FAQs
How can smaller farms adopt robotic technology and stay competitive?
Smaller farms have the opportunity to stay competitive by embracing robotic technology in smart and strategic ways. By targeting niche markets or focusing on specialised crops, they can use precision robotics to boost yields and cut down on labour expenses, making these technologies more accessible and practical.
Teaming up with other farms to share robotic systems can be another cost-saving strategy. Additionally, taking advantage of government grants or subsidies can help offset the initial investment. Customising robotic solutions to meet their unique requirements allows smaller farms to address key concerns like safety, data protection, and sustainability. With thoughtful planning and a forward-thinking approach, smaller farms can integrate robotics into their operations and carve out a strong position in today’s competitive agricultural sector.
How is ethical accountability ensured in the use of robots in farming?
Ethical responsibility in robotic farming involves a few essential strategies. One important method is incorporating responsibility by design into the development process. This means considering factors like worker well-being, safety, and the potential for job displacement right from the outset. Establishing clear safety standards and ethical guidelines is equally critical, especially as autonomous systems become more widespread in agriculture.
Collaboration also plays a pivotal role. Policymakers, developers, and local communities are working together to shape how robotic systems are introduced, ensuring they reflect societal values. This joint effort fosters transparency and accountability, promoting the responsible use of robotics to support a sustainable and ethical agricultural future.
What impact could robotic farming have on traditional farming skills and knowledge?
Robotic farming holds immense promise for reshaping agriculture, shifting the emphasis from manual labour to technological proficiency. With automation and AI-powered systems, farms can achieve greater efficiency and reduce resource use. However, this shift comes with a trade-off: a potential decline in traditional skills like crop management, soil care, and manual harvesting - practices that embody generations of hands-on expertise.
Beyond this, ethical concerns loom large. Job displacement is a significant worry, as automation could replace roles that have sustained rural communities for decades. Additionally, there's the risk of a growing knowledge gap. Future farmers may become overly dependent on advanced systems, potentially lacking the know-how to manage or troubleshoot them if things go wrong.
The solution lies in finding a middle ground. By integrating robotics in ways that enhance rather than overshadow traditional farming knowledge, we can ensure that technological advancements work hand in hand with the invaluable skills farmers have honed over time. This balanced approach can help agriculture evolve sustainably while preserving its rich heritage.
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