Vendors from across the globe have gathered at the Kentucky Exposition Center to showcase the latest agricultural technology designed to support both small and large farming operations.
Among the standout innovations is autonomous drone technology, demonstrated by Nathan Stein, founder of AIRSTRIKE AG. His company specializes in training farmers to use advanced spray drones for mapping and treating fields with precision.
“The drones are completely autonomous,” Stein explained. “They fly to the field and back at full speed, landing entirely on their own.”
With advancements in speed and efficiency, the latest models are transforming modern farming. Stein highlighted the capabilities of a new drone, stating, “This can fly 40 mph now. Its predecessor, the P100 Pro, topped out at 31 mph, which was an industry first. Now, at 40 mph, it can cover 60 acres or more per hour.”
According to Stein, agriculture has long been ahead of the curve in adopting new technologies, and drones are no exception. The latest models use AI-driven mapping to enhance efficiency.
“As the drone flies, it maps the field in real-time. When it turns around, it remembers what the ground looks like and uses that data to improve flight performance,” he said.
With over 20 years of experience in agricultural sciences, Stein fields frequent questions about drone use, especially as the technology garners national attention.
“We actually get a lot of questions about military applications,” he noted. “There’s always some joking about flying over New Jersey or other places. But we operate as safely as possible.”
AI-powered mapping and imaging ensure these drones navigate with precision, offering farmers a powerful tool for optimizing their operations.