Robotic systems and automation are reshaping how farms operate, from crop production to livestock and post-harvest processes. Intelligent machines and sensor-based platforms allow producers to gain precision, reduce manual labour and support data-driven decision-making across the entire agricultural cycle.
The Agri-Digital Growth course on Robotics Applied to Agriculture addresses this shift and is now available on 28Digital, the e-learning platform developed by project partner 28DGTL. Produced by the University of Maribor, the course forms part of the five pilot courses that the partnership has designed to close the digital skills gap in the agri-food sector.
The course is organised into five modules that guide learners from the foundations of agricultural robotics to its most advanced applications in the field. It opens with an introduction to robotics in agriculture, then covers the main types of robotic platforms, hardware components such as sensors and actuators, and software and intelligent systems including AI and robotics programming environments. The five modules are:
Introduction to Robotics in Agriculture
Types of Robotic Platforms
Hardware Components in Agricultural Robotics
Software and Intelligent Systems
Applications of Robotics in Agriculture
Across the modules, learners explore how robotics contributes to crop monitoring, precision operations, autonomous field work, greenhouse management, livestock farming, logistics and post harvest processes, building a clear picture of how automation supports efficiency, productivity and sustainability on the farm.
The course also offers a distinctive opportunity within the ADG training programme. Learners who complete it can proceed toward a dedicated micro-credential pathway developed by the University of Maribor.
Like the other ADG pilot courses, Robotics Applied to Agriculture combines video lessons, quizzes and self-study resources. Learners who complete the course and pass the final test receive a certificate of completion. Those who follow Precision Farming Basics together with one specialised course of their choice obtain the Precision Farming Specialist certification.
The course addresses junior profiles in traditional SMEs as well as graduates and professionals who want to build competences in agricultural robotics and automation. Access is open and free of charge: https://28digital.ea.education/adg/