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THE future of agriculture could be in robots and students at The Armidale School (TAS) will be among the first in the state to trial innovative technology that could revolutionise small scale horticulture and cropping.
The Digital Farmhand, developed by ag tech company Agerris, has been designed to assist smallholder row and tree crop farmers to better manage yields and crop health, including farmers in developing nations.
TAS is one of only seven NSW regional schools, and the only independent school, to take part in Agerris' Ag Robotics STEM Program, with around a dozen more schools taking part in 2020.
In Term 2, the TAS Year 8 STEM class developed the appropriate coding skills to operate the technology, with practical application of the robot in field settings to be undertaken in Term 3.
Director of studies, Seonia Wark, said TAS was delighted to be part of the program, given an increased demand for innovative STEM learning opportunities from students.
"It is a natural fit for our academic program," Ms Wark said.
"Especially with Stage 5 electives such as Future of Food reflecting the growing links between technology and agricultural science.
"The production of food and fibre will need smart solutions.
"This will require young people to have STEM skills and the Digital Farmhand application will help them develop those, regardless of what career paths they pursue."
Agerris' head of engagement and STEM spokesperson Nada Sukkarieh said the program also aimed to break down the digital divide between city and country.
"What a smart platform like this can do is ignite a passion in regional students," she said.
"It will help them to consider agriculture as an exciting career with boundless technological opportunities.
"We are delighted The Armidale School is providing this opportunity for their students."
The Digital Farmhand will be on show at the TAS STEM Day on September 7.
TAS is an independent, Anglican day and boarding school for boys and girls located in Armidale on the New England tablelands of northern NSW.
Founded in 1894, TAS has a non-selective enrolment policy.
It offers a diverse curriculum with a focus on academic achievement.
TAS is co-educational across all years and current enrolments stand at over 640 students, including more than 200 boarders from Years 6-12.
To discuss the academic, boarding and co-curricular opportunities TAS can offer your son or daughter, visit them at AgQuip.
- Visit: www.as.edu.au
- Site: C/25b.