A recent initiative is encouraging high school students to explore innovative uses of robotics in agriculture through the AgRobotics Ontario Challenge. The competition aims to enhance farm worker safety, efficiency, and competitiveness by leveraging robotic technology.
Participating schools will receive robotics kits from Studica to develop their ideas. Six schools with the most promising concepts will create prototypes showcased at the Western Fair Association’s London Farm Show in March 2026. Each selected school will also receive $500 to support their project development.
Haggerty Robotics, led by Chuck Baresich, a company specializing in agricultural robotics like a solar-powered vehicle for autonomous field seeding and weeding, is a key partner in the contest. Baresich emphasized the growing importance of technology in agriculture, highlighting the significant global investments in improving production methods.
The contest emphasizes real-world practicality, encouraging students to propose solutions to farm challenges. Baresich hopes that fresh perspectives from young minds will inspire innovative approaches to agricultural issues.
Bridget Mahon, Western Fair Association’s agribusiness manager, views the competition as an opportunity for students to apply their skills to address agricultural problems. Submissions are due by late November, with the selection of the six contesting schools scheduled for early December.
For more details on the contest and submission guidelines, visit the AgRobotics Ontario Challenge website.