Autonomous farm machinery is gaining ground in Australian broadacre agriculture, but cost, connectivity and return on investment remain key barriers to wider adoption.

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Now in its third year, the national autonomous farm machinery survey is tracking how growers are using the technology, what's holding them back and how attitudes are changing.

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The first survey established a national baseline, while the second, with results published in April 2026, showed adoption of autonomous and semi-autonomous machinery had increased from 27 to 45 per cent. Interest also strengthened, with 69 per cent of growers wanting to learn more, particularly through hands-on demonstrations.

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The third survey, underway in November 2026, continues building a consistent national dataset to track adoption and inform industry and government efforts.

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The research forms part of a joint program between Grain Producers Australia (GPA), the Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia (TMA) and the Society of Precision Agriculture Australia (SPAA), established to support the safe and practical introduction of autonomous technology into Australian agriculture.

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A key foundation of this work was the development of the Code of Practice for Agricultural Mobile Field Machinery with Autonomous Functions in Australia. Led by farm technology expert Dr Rohan Rainbow, the Code was developed with input from Australian grain growers, machinery manufacturers and technical experts from Australia, the United States and European Union.

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Its development drew on the Western Australian Department of Mines and Petroleum's Safe Mobile Autonomous Mining in Western Australia – Code of Practice, adapting established safety principles for agricultural operations including planting, spraying, fertilising and harvesting.

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The industry-led approach has been supported through engagement with state governments, with the Code designed to provide practical guidance for machinery users and manufacturers rather than relying solely on new regulation.

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The partnership continues to build on this foundation through annual research, industry engagement and demonstration activities to support the adoption of autonomous machinery on Australian farms.