Week 4 project: Design a farm machine and win a robot!

By NFU Education
27th April 2020

This week we’re looking at the amazing world of agri-tech. Farming is already using robots, satellites, and all sorts of other technologies – but can you design a machine of the future to help farmers tackle some of their biggest challenges?

Here are some things to think about…

Problems farmers face:

Not having enough people to pick some types of crops by hand
Heavy machinery squashes the soil and stops plants from growing
Tractor drivers get tired having to work round the clock at harvest time
Farmers want to protect the environment

Things to think about:

What job will it do on the farm?
How will it be different from the machines we see today?
What type of fuel will be used in the future?
How will it help the environment?
How will it save farmers time and energy?
Will the tractor be driverless?

Find out more about farm machinery here.

Submissions can be made by either emailing us at letstalkfarming@nfu.org.uk or posting on social media using the hashtag #LockdownLearning and tagging @eatfarmnow and @NFUEducation. Be sure to submit your entries by May 7th 2020 to be in with a chance of winning!

How could you present your design?

It’s up to you what your design looks like. Here are just some suggestions, but whatever you choose to do, don’t forget we’d love to see your ideas and designs. Send them to letstalkfarming@nfu.org.uk.

A video showing an explanation of the design, any research that has been done and any specific problems the design solves
Pictures – either hand drawn or digital
An advertisement or pitch of the final design
A PowerPoint or Prezi Presentation
Photographs of models/prototypes made using recycled materials, construction toys or robotics kits

The sky is the limit and we definitely encourage creativity!

harry robot_57818

Explore:

Discover more fun activities and videos by farmers and chefs in our #LockdownLearning Hub.

Competition time!