An engineering company best known for developing technology for some of the world’s most challenging industrial environments is helping to create a new generation of farm robots designed to learn directly from farmers.
Cumbria-based Forth UK has been appointed as an industry partner in FARMAR, a major international research project that aims to combine artificial intelligence, robotics and traditional farming knowledge to support more resilient and sustainable agriculture.
The four-year initiative, which begins in October, brings together partners from across the UK, Europe, Asia and North America. Its goal is to develop smart ground-based and aerial robotic systems capable of carrying out agricultural tasks while working alongside farmers.
Among the technologies being explored are lightweight drones and autonomous ground vehicles that can monitor crops, identify problems and undertake routine tasks under human supervision.
Forth UK will play a key role in manufacturing prototypes and helping to bring the technology into real farm environments.
Chief executive Mark Telford said the project represented an exciting opportunity for both the company and the wider region.
“Our focus is on unlocking new opportunities for West Cumbrian SMEs, drawing on the pedigree forged at Sellafield. It’s this experience that makes Cumbria’s businesses some of the strongest contenders to meet global challenges head on,” he said.
“Forth is perfectly placed to be involved with FARMAR. It’s a tribute to the skills of our team that we’ve been chosen as an industry partner for such a cutting-edge project. And it’s great to be involved in something of such global significance.”
He added: “FARMAR could change the way farming works around the world, improving sustainability and efficiency. It aligns with Forth’s approach to problem-solving: innovate, test, create.”
A central feature of the project is its focus on capturing practical farming knowledge. Farmers will demonstrate everyday tasks and explain their decision-making processes, which will then be translated into step-by-step instructions that robotic systems can follow.
The project aims to address some of agriculture’s biggest challenges, including labour shortages, climate pressures and rising production costs, while preserving local farming knowledge and traditions.
Researchers say embedding cultural and practical expertise into modern technology could help improve productivity and sustainability, particularly for smaller farming businesses.
The FARMAR project has secured £1.5m in funding through the Horizon Europe programme, including support from the UK Government. It is being coordinated by Durham University’s Department of Computer Science.
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