A Systematic Literature Review of Autonomous Seed Planters: Advancements in Robotic Planters for Precision Agriculture

Autonomous seed planters are emerging as a critical technology in precision agriculture, offering the potential to significantly enhance planting efficiency, crop yield, resource utilization, and post-planting analysis of seed success. This systematic literature review describes and synthesizes advancements in robotic planters, focusing on their design, functionality, and integration within agricultural systems. The systematic literature review followed the PRISMA approach, resulting in an analysis of 389 papers from databases, including IEEE Xplore, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. The results indicate key improvements in sensor technology, machine learning algorithms, and the mechanical design of autonomous seed planters, which collectively enable precise seed placement, optimal spacing, and adaptive planting strategies. Future research directions highlight the importance of multi-functional systems capable of performing various agricultural tasks and the potential for real-time data analytics to optimize planting processes further. This study provides a deeper understanding of current trends and prospects for the deployment of autonomous seed planters, contributing to the advancement of precision agriculture.