Need for Robotics and Mechanical Research

Competition in manufactured goods from Japan has developed in recent years and now they are turning to automatic manufacturing systems and robots to maintain their lead. The United States needs to increase its development and utilization of robots in manufacturing and in other areas so that we can remain competitive. Some of our agricultural production is very well mechanized but other operations such as transplanting and fruit and vegetable harvesting are being done the same way as they were 50 or more years ago. Robots have wide potential application in agriculture to do the tedious tasks that are so common. Progress is being made in the development of a robotic sheep shearing machine and developments in robotic planting machines and citrus harvesters are being considered. Substitution of robots or other automatic machines for tedious tasks in agricultural operations will help keep food economical in price and improve working conditions for farm workers.