AUTONOMOUS FARM MACHINERY UPTAKE CAUGHT BETWEEN INTEREST AND ADOPTION REALITIES

Autonomous machinery use is increasing in agriculture, but cost and connectivity issues are limiting uptake and risking the future abilities of the Australian grains industry to keep pace globally. 

These are findings from the second year of research led by Grain Producers Australia (GPA), the Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia (TMA) and the Society of Precision Agriculture Australia (SPAA), tracking how autonomous technologies are being used and adopted on-farm over time. 

The 2026 Autonomous Farm Machinery Use in Australia snapshot, informed by a survey of grain producers around the country, shows more farm businesses are engaging with autonomous and semi-autonomous systems, but barriers around affordability, return on investment and regional connectivity continue to shape adoption decisions.  

GPA Research Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said the results reflect a shift from awareness to application, with producers now working through how the technology fits within their own operations. 

“Producers can see where this technology delivers value, but the speed of adoption is being shaped by how practical it is to implement,” Mr Weidemann said. 

“Without the right support around connectivity and clear pathways for adoption, there’s a risk that uptake slows despite strong interest.” 

Mr Weidemann said regional connectivity is emerging as a key limiting factor. 

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“These systems rely on reliable connectivity to operate effectively, and that’s not consistent across all production regions,” he said. 

“If we want to see these technologies adopted more broadly, investment in regional digital infrastructure has to keep pace.” 

The report sits within a broader coordinated effort across industry to support the safe and effective adoption of autonomous farm machinery.

It is underpinned by the Code of Practice for Agricultural Mobile Field Machinery with Autonomous Functions in Australia and is complemented by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) investment Grain Automate, which is led by SPAA and focuses on building practical pathways to adoption for producers. 

Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia Executive Director Gary Northover said the findings reinforce the importance of aligning technology development with on-farm conditions. 

“Manufacturers are continuing to invest in autonomous systems, but adoption will depend on confidence that these systems are practical, reliable and suited to Australian broadacre environments,” he said. 

“These results are important in ensuring the technology being developed reflects how it will be used on-farm and can be implemented effectively.” 

Mr Northover said the Code of Practice also plays a key role in supporting consistent adoption. 

“As these technologies continue to evolve, the Code provides an industry-led framework to support safe and consistent implementation, but its value depends on how it is understood and applied in practice,” he said. 

Society of Precision Agriculture Australia Executive Officer, Angelique McAvoy said the results highlight the need to focus on practical engagement, capability building and return on investment. 

“There is strong interest from producers, but adoption will be driven by what they can see working in real conditions, a clear return on investment and upskilling in their workforce” Ms McAvoy said. 

“These findings reinforce the importance of demonstration, extension and building confidence in how these systems operate on-farm.” 

The report confirms producers continue to prioritise hands-on engagement, with field days, demonstrations and trusted industry channels identified as the most effective ways to build understanding of autonomous technologies.  

Mr Weidemann said ensuring producers can adopt these technologies will be critical to maintaining the competitiveness of the Australian grains industry. 

“For a $26 billion grains industry looking to the future, this work is about making sure producers can adopt technology in a way that delivers real gains in efficiency, supports labour availability and strengthens long-term sustainability,” he said. 

“This is not a future issue, it’s something producers are actively working through now, and the focus needs to be on making adoption achievable.” 

ENDS 

Further Information: 

GPA Research, Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann: 0428 504 544 

TMA Executive Director Gary Northover: 0467 002 322 

SPAA Executive Officer Angelique McAvoy: 0473 790 109 

GPA Executive Officer Rachael Oxborrow: 0416 705 193