Research

Background: 

In 2021, a grassroots group was formed to review robotics and automation as an opportunity to solve critical issues facing the agricultural sector – specifically focused on outdoor field crops at the present time. These issues include labour, optimizing production, and increasing competitiveness. The goal of the AgRobotics Working Group is to bring together a cross-functional group of members to reduce barrier to robotics/ automation adoption.  

Guiding Principles: 

This project is guided by items outlined in the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP). Under the Building Sector Capacity, Grown and Competitiveness Priority Area and Productive Designed Program, this project will contribute to intermediate and/or crosscutting outcomes such as: 

  • The sector has modernized its systems, equipment, and facilities and implemented new practices, processes, and technologies.  

  • The sector has increased capacity through new technologies, equipment, practices or processes 

  • The sector has increased capacity and growth across the entire agri-food value chain.  

Key Goals: 

The key goal of the Research is to de-risk adoption by: 

  • Undertaking applied research to test and demonstrated robotics and technologies at the commercial field scale level to ensure they meet producer needs 

  • Sharing this knowledge at knowledge translation and transfer events 

Focus:  

The Western Fair Association, through the AgRobotics Working Group, is seeking interested producers, or commercial robotics companies, to test and demonstrate technology at the commercial field scale level. 

Timelines:  

  • October 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025: Application period for proposals 

  • January 1, 2026 – January 30th, 2026: Proposal review and selection 

  • February 15, 2026: Notification to successful applicants 

  • February 25, 2026: Notification to unsuccessful applicants 

  • March 1, 2026: Presentation of Summer Projects to AgRobotics Working Group 

  • May 1, 2026: Projects commence (unless start date otherwise changed) 

  • July 1-31, 2026: Presentation to ARWG on status of project 

  • Oct 30, 2026: Project end 

  • November 1-30, 2026: Presentation to ARWG on status of project 

  • December 29, 2026: Final report due to ARWG for review before adding to Annual Report 

  • In the event that there is funding remaining, Western Fair District will direct the research sub-committee to provide further information on timelines to accept proposals on a rolling basis.