Utilization of Robot Tractors and their Impact on Large-Scale Paddy Crop Rotation Management:

A Case Study of Iwamizawa City, Hokkaido

Abstract

A fact-finding survey in an advanced smart farming region of Hokkaido revealed that the actual use of robot tractors for unmanned operation remains limited. However, a simulation analysis comparing conditions before and after the introduction of robot tractors in paddy field crop rotation management demonstrated the potential to expand the scale of family farming operations and improve farm income. Furthermore, a focus on qualitative changes in farm management suggests that adopting robot tractors could significantly influence the future of regional agriculture.