Indonesian scientists use NASA Rover Tech to make farming smarter
NASA-inspired innovations are now helping farmers track soil and crop health in real time.
INDONESIA – Researchers from Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) have turned NASA’s rover systems into smart tools for local farms.
By changing mobility and sensor features from space designs, the team has created autonomous vehicles that move through fields collecting detailed data. These machines measure things like soil moisture, temperature, humidity, and crop condition as they go.
Dr. Irwan Rinaldi, one of the lead scientists, explained, “We saw that the core design of NASA’s rovers could help us address common problems in farming like water waste and crop failure. Instead of relying on guesswork, farmers now get real-time readings that help them act faster and more accurately.”
These updated rovers are also equipped with AI systems to process data and provide farmers with easy-to-understand insights. This means small and mid-sized farmers can respond to issues early, without needing expensive tech support.
The Indonesian versions are made to be affordable and easy to use in rural conditions, unlike NASA’s high-cost systems.
This kind of precision gives farmers more control. They can adjust how much water or fertilizer they use based on current conditions. Over time, this could mean higher yields with less waste.
Smart tools for smart choices
Indonesia isn’t the only country taking this path. In India, a design called the AgriRover has been built by Charu Singodia. This robot works both in large farms and home gardens.
It uses a camera that detects crop stress, identifies pests and diseases, and helps control water use through micro-irrigation.
Singodia submitted the design to the NASA Tech Briefs Design Contest in June 2025. Speaking on the project, she said, “We need smarter tools to meet food demand in changing climates. This robot brings lab-level insight directly into the field.”
In Latin America, a partnership between NASA Harvest and Argentina’s SIMA is already helping farmers predict crop performance. Their models combine satellite data and on-ground measurements to guide planting and harvesting decisions.
The crop prediction feature, added in 2025, is now part of SIMA’s mobile app, which thousands of farmers use daily.
New Zealand also took early steps in this direction. Between 2012 and 2013, Dr. Andrew Manderson’s team at AgResearch developed the AgriRover to support livestock farming.
Their tool mapped soil features and sent data back to farmers instantly, making it easier to manage land use across large areas.
A wider reach
NASA’s role in agriculture continues to grow. Beyond rovers, the agency’s tools have shaped modern farming in the US and beyond. GPS now guides autonomous tractors.
LED lighting, first developed for space missions, helps plants grow indoors. Some sensors even send alerts when crops are too dry, helping farmers take timely action.
Rinaldi believes more is possible. “There’s a lot we can still learn from space. What matters is using it to solve the everyday problems farmers face.”
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