By Blake Jackson
The AgRobotics Lab at Cornell University’s Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering is leading research in artificial intelligence, automation, and robotics for agriculture. The lab focuses on creating smart farming technologies that improve efficiency, increase crop yields, enhance product quality, and support environmental sustainability.
The lab is led by Dr. Manoj Karkee, Norman and Sharon Scott Professor of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Dr. Karkee joined Cornell University in 2025 after serving as director and professor at Washington State University's Center for Precision and Automated Agricultural Systems. He earned his PhD in Agricultural Engineering and Human Computer Interaction from Iowa State University in 2009.
At Cornell, Dr. Karkee oversees research programs focused on sensing technologies, machine vision, artificial intelligence, and agricultural robotics. He has published extensively in leading scientific journals and is currently serving as Editor-in-Chief of "Computers and Electronics in Agriculture." His work has earned several prestigious honors, including the "2020 Rainbird Engineering Concept of the Year" award from ASABE and recognition as "2019 Pioneer in Artificial Intelligence and IoT" by Connected World magazine.
The AgRobotics Lab is working on several innovative projects designed to address modern farming challenges. One major area involves developing multi-purpose robots for fruit and vegetable production. These robotic systems can help automate labor-intensive tasks such as harvesting, pruning, thinning, and pollination.
Researchers are also exploring soft robotics technology that can gently handle fruits and flowers without causing damage. These flexible robotic systems are expected to improve efficiency in orchard operations.
Another important focus is autonomous crop monitoring and management. Advanced robotic platforms equipped with cameras, LiDAR, and sensors can monitor crop health, detect pests and diseases, and help manage nutrients and water more precisely.
The lab is also developing small modular robots and mobile-device-based applications that can assist with hauling harvested crops, weed control, and yield estimation. Artificial intelligence-powered machine vision systems enable real-time crop detection, navigation, and robotic decision-making in complex field environments.
In addition, researchers are studying interactions between humans, robots, plants, and animals to improve collaboration in agricultural settings. The team is also creating innovative solutions for small-scale and urban farming systems.
The AgRobotics Lab actively collaborates with universities, industry partners, government agencies, and farmers across the United States and internationally. Through field testing and data-driven research, the lab aims to develop practical and cost-effective technologies that support the future of global agriculture.
Those interested in collaborative research or joining the laboratory can contact Dr. Manoj Karkee at mk2684@cornell.edu.
For more information, visit: https://bee.cals.cornell.edu
Photo Credit: cornell-university
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