Modern agriculture is undergoing a technological revolution, fundamentally transforming the global industry. Drones are no longer just tools for data collection—they have evolved into highly effective field-processing solutions that deliver instant results. Robotics and automation are redefining how the industry addresses key challenges.
Since 2018, DroneUA has been at the forefront of agro-drone spraying, pioneering the application of plant protection products through unmanned solutions. These technologies not only identify field issues but also efficiently resolve them. To date, DroneUA's drones have treated over 7.5 million acres, applying ultra-low doses of pesticides with exceptional precision. This approach has resulted in 95% water savings, a 90% reduction in fuel consumption, and targeted application that minimizes waste.
With its deep expertise in agrodrones and robotics, Futurology/DroneUA participated in the PA Elevation working group meeting in Pennsylvania (USA) on December 19. This strategically significant event gathered key industry players to explore development prospects and effective strategies for integrating unmanned technologies into agriculture.
Sustainable agriculture: Ukraine’s breakthrough experience and opportunities for the US
Valerii Iakovenko, co-founder and managing partner of DroneUA and Futurology, as well as co-chair of the Agricultural Committee of the PA Drone Association, shared insights on implementing innovative technologies in precision agriculture. He also presented strategies for scaling agri-tech businesses internationally—highly relevant for the US agricultural sector as it embraces automation and robotics.
"I founded my business 11 years ago when drone technology was just beginning to change the world. We started as a drone manufacturer, producing drones in Ukraine and exporting them to Europe. From the outset, we were inspired by American companies, particularly those utilizing third-party aerodynamic platforms. One of the most influential was 3D Robotics (3DR), which allowed us to modify designs, integrate advanced flight control systems, and optimize software. This made our drones highly effective for data collection, especially in GIS applications. As a result, we adopted a modular business model, combining different components—cameras, lenses, and flight control systems — into a single platform. Our drones set a flight-time record of 150 minutes, with an average operational time of 120 minutes per mission, covering 400 to 1,000 hectares depending on altitude. This made them an incredibly efficient data collection tool."
Reflecting on DroneUA’s market expansion, Iakovenko emphasized:
"From day one, our drones covered 95% of Ukraine’s agricultural market, which includes over 28 million hectares of arable land. One of our largest projects involved supporting a merger and acquisition for Kernel, one of the world’s largest agricultural holdings, managing over 1 million acres of farmland. In just six weeks, we mapped 250,000 acres with RTK accuracy. This data played a key role in determining land asset values during the transaction and strategically planning future investments. This project reinforced a crucial realization: in modern agribusiness, data is the most valuable asset. As satellite technology advanced, farmers gained free access to imagery from Planet Labs, Sentinel, and Landsat, often bundled with products from agricultural giants like Syngenta. As drones were no longer the sole source of precision agriculture data, we pivoted our strategic focus to drone-based agrochemical applications."
With rapid growth in the US drone market, particularly in agriculture, American farmers are looking to Ukraine’s experience in integrating unmanned technologies. A clear sign of this shift is the FAA’s recent approvals for night flights and drone swarm operations, creating new opportunities for drones to compete with traditional agricultural machinery.
This shift also presents major economic benefits. As demand for drone operators rises, the US market could generate over 150,000 new jobs in drone spraying alone — considering that at least one pilot is required per 1,000 hectares.
"As co-chair of the Pennsylvania Drone Association’s Agriculture Committee, I am convinced that Pennsylvania can become a hub for agri-tech innovation, particularly in fruit and berry farming, viticulture, and high-value crop production. By adopting precision drone spraying, we can increase yields, lower costs, and reduce environmental impact," said Iakovenko.
Within the next five years, most US farms are expected to incorporate drone spraying at least once per season, highlighting the urgent need to train operators, expand regulations, and fully integrate robotics into agricultural production.
Innovation and women’s empowerment in agriculture
Beyond automation and robotics, the agricultural industry is also experiencing a gender shift. More women are stepping into key roles in engineering, data analytics, and innovation project management, fostering equal access to tech careers and driving sustainable, eco-friendly solutions.
A prime example of this progress is BEETLESS, a women-led startup co-founded by DroneUA and Mosqitter. The company specializes in agricultural robotics, offering non-toxic, pesticide-free pest control solutions.
"Balance in agriculture is crucial. Humanity relies on pesticides to sustain food production, yet we must seek alternatives. Our BEETLESS smart robotic traps leverage insects' natural instincts to attract and neutralize pests, reducing chemical dependency—especially for organic farmers and high-value crop producers. By integrating robotics, we create a sustainable balance between cutting-edge technologies and traditional farming," said Oleksandra Afanasieva, co-founder and CEO of BEETLESS and co-chair of the Agricultural Committee of the PA Drone Association.
Afanasieva also emphasized the growing role of women in STEM and the rising interest among young women in agri-tech careers:
"In Ukraine, we saw this early on when we collaborated with universities like the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine (NULES). We introduced precision agriculture courses and found that 20–30% of students were women. Agriculture in Ukraine has historically attracted women, but with technology’s evolution, we’re seeing more female students combining traditional knowledge with modern innovation. The industry is becoming attractive again—not as a return to tradition, but as a high-tech career path integrating AI, robotics, and automation. As co-chair of the Pennsylvania Drone Association’s Agriculture Committee, I actively promote STEM opportunities for women, collaborating with scientists, engineers, and robotics experts. Our mission is to encourage more women to pursue careers in agri-tech and ensure access to opportunities in robotics, AI, and sustainable agriculture."
Global agriculture has entered a new era, where drones, robotics, and precision farming are no longer just tools but the foundation of sustainable industry development. Ukraine’s expertise in agrodrones has proven that innovative approaches can save resources, boost yields, and minimize environmental impact.
At the same time, social change is accelerating alongside technological breakthroughs. Women are increasingly occupying leadership positions in agri-tech, reshaping the industry’s landscape. Ukraine is leading these changes, setting a global benchmark—including for the United States.
Futurology extends its gratitude to colleagues at the Pennsylvania Drone Association and all participants of PA Elevation for their valuable discussions, knowledge-sharing, and collaborations that will contribute to enhancing global food security.
