INDUSTRY 4.0/IoT EMS
A 2025 report from Ifac, ‘The Next Generation: The Changing Face of Agriculture’, found that only 31 per cent of Irish farmers believe technology enhances decision-making.
By Dave Walsha, Sales and Marketing Director, Electro Mechanical Systems (EMS)
H
owever, with the farming industry facing an aging workforce, sustainability
technology has the power to alleviate this. Here, Dave Walsha, explores how micromotor-driven agritech can future-proof farming. Agriculture is a historical pillar of Ireland’s economy. However, the sector faces challenges, including rising production costs, sustainability pressures, labour shortages and an ageing workforce. In 2023, agriculture accounted for 37.8 per cent of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions, and according to the ‘Teagasc National Farm Survey’, the average age of Irish farmers is 58.
the long-term security of agriculture. To future- proof the sector, it’s essential that farmers adopt technologies that boost productivity, optimise resources and promote more sustainable farming practices.
16 July/August 2025 Irish Manufacturing
EMBRACING AGRITECH AUTOMATION Agritech facilitates automated feeding systems, which dispense accurate amounts of feed at scheduled intervals. This reduces the need for manual labour, enhancing farm productivity and improving livestock health. This method of feeding also reduces waste, lowering operational costs and sustainability impact. Robotic harvesting technology, equipped with
sensors and machine vision to autonomously pick ripe produce, addresses labour shortages by reducing reliance on seasonal labour. Optimised harvesting improves crop health and reduces the need for chemical interventions. By removing mature produce at the right time, it prevents overripe or damaged crops, which can attract
pests and diseases. This minimises the need for pesticides and fungicides and fosters long-term environmental sustainability. Water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change, is another critical issue that agritech can combat. Automated irrigation systems optimise water usage by delivering it only when and where needed. By integrating soil moisture sensors, minimising waste while ensuring crops are properly hydrated. Furthermore, in greenhouses and livestock
barns, where maintaining stable environmental conditions is crucial for both productivity and animal welfare, automated ventilation systems respond to temperature changes and adjust technology ensures climate resilience in farming, further reducing energy costs.
THE ROLE OF ADVANCED MOTORS At the core of these agritech systems is advanced motor technology. Particularly, brushless DC and reliability of agritech applications. The FAULHABER’s BX4 brushless DC motor with a compact design, speeds up to 29,000 min- ¹, torque up to 96 millinewton metres and continuous output of 62 watts, offers a precise,
www.irish-manufacturing.com
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