New technology could make farms more effective and efficient, thanks to the Coles County Extension FarmBot Project. With global demand for food rising and natural resources under pressure, tools like FarmBot could transform how growers manage crops, increase yields, and support food security — in Illinois and beyond.

Bringing FarmBot to life combines robotics, soil science, coding, and more. To help build stronger rural economies through STEM education and hands-on research, the FarmBot collaboration pairs students, educators, and local growers with researchers and industry experts.

It’s one example of how Illinois Extension — the system’s public outreach arm — brings university research to life in every county of the state. The initiative supports producers, trains a tech-ready workforce, and introduces students to career paths in agriculture and food production.

Farmbot creates a tangible way to see what’s possible when innovation meets agriculture in teaching the next generation that the future of farming is as much about data and design as it is about soil and seasons. With the innovative robot planting seeds, watering for optimal growth, and monitoring for pests and disease, farmers can play an even greater role in strengthening local economies and advancing global food security.