Asia Turns to AI and Robotics to Tackle Farming Labor Shortages and Boost Efficiency

With global population growth placing increasing pressure on agricultural resources, companies across Asia are turning to AI and robotics to boost efficiency and productivity in farming. The limited expansion of farmland, combined with labor shortages, is accelerating the adoption of technologies that help farmers make the most of their existing land and workforce. These innovations, though still evolving, are already showing promise in improving yields, reducing waste, and supporting more sustainable food production.

AGRIST, a Japanese agricultural technology firm, is among those pioneering robotic solutions in farming. The company is deploying robots to assist with harvesting tasks, aiming to address the persistent labor challenges in agriculture. While these machines are not yet as efficient as human workers, AGRIST CEO Junichi Saito emphasizes that they offer distinct advantages: they can operate 24 hours a day without rest, and their cost—around $10,000 per unit—makes them accessible for many farms [1]. Saito envisions a future where AI, robotics, and human labor work together to enhance agricultural productivity and create a more sustainable food system [1].

In China, the Syngenta Group has been developing a network of Modern Agriculture Platform (MAP) centers that integrate digital tools such as drones, AI systems, and robotic assistance. These platforms provide local farmers with data-driven insights and actionable advice, helping them optimize their crop yields with limited resources. Feroz Sheikh, Syngenta’s chief information and digital officer, highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that the world will need an additional 600 million hectares of farmland by 2050—nearly four times the size of Europe’s current agricultural land [1]. Sheikh stressed that even small technological improvements can have a significant impact when scaled across large farming communities [1].

Malaysia’s Agroz Group is also leveraging AI to support farmers, particularly through its "Copilot for Farmers" tool. The system is trained on standard operating procedures and enables growers to assess plant health using a simple photo. Founder and CEO Gerard Lim described it as a way to bring the expertise of experienced farmers into the hands of less seasoned growers, effectively democratizing access to agricultural knowledge [1]. Looking ahead, Lim sees robotics as the next phase in Agroz’s development, with humanoid robots potentially assisting in greenhouses and indoor farms within the next year [1].

Beyond agriculture, robotics are finding applications in food processing and manufacturing. A Japanese startup is using AI and robotics to prepare high-quality sashimi, ensuring precision and consistency in cuts while reducing waste [4]. Meanwhile, UK engineers have developed a robotic system that mimics human reflexes to prevent slips by adjusting movement dynamically rather than relying solely on grip force. This predictive control technology could have far-reaching implications for robotics in manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare [5].

Despite these promising developments, AI and robotics are not yet ready to fully replace human labor. In sales and customer service, for example, AI agents currently handle only 30% to 50% of tasks, with human oversight still necessary for complex or nuanced interactions [6]. Similarly, Tesla’s foray into humanoid robotics has faced skepticism, with critics questioning the practicality and market viability of such machines [7]. Nonetheless, the integration of these technologies into agriculture and other industries is accelerating, driven by the need to address inefficiencies and labor shortages [2][3].

The ongoing evolution of AI and robotics in agriculture suggests a future in which human expertise and machine precision coexist. While robots can handle repetitive and labor-intensive tasks, experienced farmers bring adaptability and judgment that machines have yet to replicate. The most effective model may be one where AI and robotics augment human capabilities, rather than replace them entirely, ensuring that technological progress supports—not undermines—human labor in the agricultural sector [1][2].