THE world’s first 5G ready ‘Agri-Robot’ which could completely revolutionise the way we farm is set for trials in Dorset.

Small Robot Company (SRC) has announced a partnership with Blandford-based Wessex Internet, Dorset Council and Telint, to deliver a blueprint for rural internet connectivity.

The £7m 5G RuralDorset project, led by Dorset Council and part-funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s 5G Testbeds and Trials Programme, is aimed at developing an affordable and reliable network designed for farmers.

The trials with the SRC robots will be taking place at the Ranston Farm 5G trial site near Blandford.

Mike Donnachie, farm manager at Ranston Farms, said: “Having precise and accurate data to hand so I can make instant decisions will bring great benefit into the future.”

It is anticipated that 5G robotics will enable real time capabilities such as the ability to quickly identify pests like slugs and enabling farmers to act faster to exploit the UK’s dry weather windows.

5G robotics could completely revolutionise the way we farm and bring enormous benefits to the environment. Rural-optimised 5G connectivity also allows for the potential to reduce the cost of operating robots - which is already significantly less than conventional farm machinery.

The resulting 5G blueprint will enable rapid deployment of 5G to rural areas and has the potential to close the digital divide between urban and rural areas.

Wessex Internet will be delivering three farm 5G networks on the back of its existing 2,100km full-fibre network as part of the 5G RuralDorset trials.

Sam Watson Jones, president and co-founder, Small Robot Company, said: “The opportunity is immense. Our technology is closely aligned with the new Agricultural Bill, at the heart of these systemic changes in farming. The 5G RuralDorset Project is an opportunity for us to work with farmers to create a more sustainable and productive farming model."