Integrating Robotics, Automation, and Technical Applications into Ag Education
Representatives from AgCentric and the Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE) delivered a series of presentations at the 2025 High Impact Technology Exchange Conference (HI-TEC) in Minneapolis, focusing on innovations in secondary agricultural education through the integration of emerging technologies.
Sessions featured curriculum developments funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), including the established Technical Applications in Agriculture (TAA) and the newly developed Agricultural Robotics and Automation Technology (ARAT) curriculum. TAA is designed to build core technical and scientific competencies within an agricultural framework. ARAT introduces students to robotics and automation through real-world applications in animal, plant, and food systems, culminating in a student-led design challenge.
Conference presentations included overviews of curriculum content, safety training for classroom implementation, and hands-on demonstrations of automation technologies relevant to agriculture. Carl Aakre, Executive Director of CASE, led a safety session, while other presentations were delivered by Keith Olander (AgCentric/Central Lakes College) and Ben Sheldon (CNH Industrial Raven Industries), who also co-led a practical demonstration highlighting how automation tools can enhance classroom instruction.
A panel discussion featuring Zach Nicklin and Jon Beck from the National Center for Autonomous Technologies (NCAT) and Dr. Nicholas Wilson from the University of North Dakota offered additional perspective on the role of robotics and automation in workforce development and education.
Sandra Mikolaski, project evaluator, attended to support data collection and evaluation planning,
As part of the ARAT development process, a national field test is being held at the Central Lakes College Staples Campus, July 28-August 1, involving 32 agriculture instructors from across the country. Feedback from this cohort will be used to guide final adjustments to the curriculum before broader implementation.
HI-TEC is a national conference focused on high-impact practices in advanced technological education, bringing together leaders from education, industry, and government to support the future of STEM and workforce training.
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