The integration of robotics and automation represents a paradigm shift in sustainable agriculture, offering innovative solutions to address labour shortages, optimize resource use, and minimize environmental impacts. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the current state and potential of agricultural robotics, focusing on their role in advancing sustainability goals. Through a systematic review of 120 peer-reviewed studies, patent analyses, and case studies of commercial implementations, we evaluated robotic systems for precision weeding, targeted spraying, autonomous harvesting, and soil monitoring. Our findings indicate that robotic weed control can reduce herbicide use by 70-90% through machine vision and mechanical removal, while automated precision sprayers achieve 30-50% reductions in pesticide and fertilizer application. Robotic harvesters address critical labour bottlenecks in high-value crops, though technical challenges remain in handling delicate produce. The environmental benefits are substantial, with life cycle assessments showing a 15-25% reduction in carbon footprint per unit of output compared to conventional mechanized systems. However, significant barriers persist, including high initial costs (typically $50,000-$500,000 per unit), technical limitations in complex field environments, and the need for specialized operator skills. The analysis reveals that successful implementation requires crop-specific adaptations and integration with farm management information systems. We conclude that robotics and automation are not merely labour-saving technologies but fundamental enablers of ecological intensification. Their strategic deployment can significantly advance the triple bottom line of sustainable agriculture, environmental health, economic profitability, and social equity, though realizing this potential requires supportive policies, technological standardization, and targeted research to enhance affordability and reliability in diverse agricultural contexts.

digitalization, agriculture, innovation, hub, importance

geodesy engineering

Presentation: poster