Advancements in Precision Spraying of Agricultural Robots: A Comprehensive Review

Through mechanization, automation, and intensification, there has been a substantial increase in agricultural production over time. The efficiency, reliability, and precision of agricultural equipment have improved significantly with automation, leading to a reduced dependency on human intervention. The surge in the adoption of agricultural robotics research and technologies is a response to the growing recognition that robots offer an effective solution to address the shortage of skilled workers in crop production. This paper aims to present a systematic overview of recent advancements in precision delivery technology within agricultural robotics, with a primary focus on the following aspects: 1) precision agriculture market; 2) design and development of spray robot technologies, encompassing both terrestrial and aerial platforms; 3) spray technologies and their application mechanisms; 4) various spraying techniques tailored to specific pests and vegetation; and 5) evolution of sensor technologies for precision spraying. Additionally, this article explores the current state of the art in robotic technologies employed in precision agriculture.