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MOTION CONTROL


FEATURE Labour shortages,


sustainability pressures and a growing


demand for precision agriculture mean the need for automation is growing, with


autonomous robots


MOTION SOLUTIONS FOR THE FIELD


R


equired to perform in unpredictable and extreme environments, agricultural robots have to face inconsistent terrain,


mud, dust, rain and extreme temperatures, which are a challenge to mechanical devices. Even small variations in the mechanical motion of the robot may have a significant impact on crop yields or quality. For example, the depth of the planted crop may be affected by a few millimetres of variation, and the alignment of the crop during the harvesting process may be critical to the quality of the crop. Initiatives such as the Agri-Robotics Regulatory


Network (ARRNET) are addressing these challenges by providing guidance, testing environments and regulatory support. But, at the same time, according to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, as of 2025 ‘40% of principal farmers and holders in England were aged 65 or older’, while around 15% were under 45. With ARRNET lowering barriers to deployment


and the workforce ageing, the priority is to field agrirobots that run reliably across seasons and reduce labour dependence at time critical moments such as harvest.


MOTION SYSTEM SOLUTIONS Every agricultural robot features a motion system, with motors, gearboxes and actuators translating electrical energy into controlled movement, allowing robots to navigate fields, deploy tools and interact precisely with crops. Here, engineers must evaluate how entire


motion systems perform under real operating conditions. Torque, speed, duty cycle and load handling must align with the robot’s tasks, which could vary from navigating narrow crop rows, to adjusting sensor positions or controlling robotic arms during harvesting. Advanced motion systems enable smooth,


repeatable movement despite environmental stressors. This consistency is critical for maintaining accuracy, reducing mechanical wear


www.designsolutionsmag.co.uk


and minimising downtime, which can directly impact productivity and operating costs. The gearbox and actuators are crucial to


efficient and reliable motor control. The quality of the gearbox is important since it reduces mechanical stress, which is essential for efficient continuous use. The linear actuators, on the other hand, provide the robot with the ability to control depth of planting, irrigation and tools. Close integration of the


components matters for a battery-driven agri-robot because it keeps motion efficient and energy loss low. This reduces heat generation and extends runtime per charge, which in turn eases stress on the battery and improves service life. EMS supplies motors,


gearboxes, linear actuators and drive electronics designed to enhance agri-robotics. It also offers a custom design and manufacturing service, helping OEMs tailor complete motion systems to real-world agricultural requirements rather than theoretical models. For agri-robots working outdoors, longevity


is just as important as precision. Design engineers can address heat at source through careful thermal management and balanced load paths, and protect assemblies with robust sealing to keep dust and moisture out during long seasons in the field.


MEETING APPLICATION DEMANDS In time-sensitive work such as harvesting at peak time, motion system redundancy lowers the chance that a single fault halts operations. By addressing these factors from the outset, autonomous systems will perform consistently


now supporting tasks from seeding to harvesting. Dave Walsha, sales and


marketing director at Electro Mechanical


Systems (EMS), looks into how advanced motion systems


are helping robots tackle farming


throughout the farming cycle, maintaining productivity from planting to harvest while maximising energy efficiency and system life. Investment in agri-robotics across the UK is


driving a shift toward automated, data-driven farming. Systems like robotic harvesters rely on durable and energy-efficient motion solutions to perform in the field. Combining expertise with adaptable technologies helps engineers deliver practical, field-ready robots, ensuring robust motion systems remain at the heart of high-performing farming.


EMS www.ems-limited.co.uk MAY 2026 DESIGN SOLUTIONS 43 T: 0118 981 7391


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