The evolution of AI in Brazilian agriculture and industry.

For a long time, artificial intelligence (AI) was seen as a distant promise. Today, it is part of the daily routine in factories and fields, boosting efficiency, reducing costs, and supporting more sustainable practices. Looking more closely, we can see how this technology, combined with good human guidance, transforms simple and complex processes, directly impacting the productivity and quality of various production stages. 

Brazil is a country with a strong agricultural and industrial presence. A record grain harvest is expected in the 2025/2026 cycle, reaching 353,1 million tons, a 0,3% increase compared to the previous harvest, according to the National Supply Company (Conab). Amidst this demand, AI is ceasing to be merely a support tool and is assuming a strategic role. 

In factories, recognition systems compare images of newly assembled parts in real time with the original design, identifying flaws or missing components. This reduces the time spent on manual inspections, lowers rework costs, and increases production reliability. Predictive maintenance algorithms anticipate failures before they cause unplanned downtime, ensuring greater safety and preventing losses. 

Industry 4.0 integrates digital technologies and production processes: connected sensors and large-scale data analysis allow for monitoring the production line, predicting failures, and making adjustments before problems occur. Digital twins, which are virtual replicas of factories and machines, enable simulations without interrupting real operations. Collaborative robots share space with human operators, while machine learning algorithms optimize workflows and reduce waste. We also have 3D printing, which allows for the manufacture of complex parts with less material and greater speed. 

5G connectivity, integrated management software, and cloud computing ensure remote access to information and rapid responses. Cybersecurity becomes a priority to protect strategic data and prevent downtime. AI models also optimize the flow of materials within plants, adjusting production according to demand and increasing supply chain efficiency. 

In the field, AI makes precision agriculture practical and efficient. Sprayers with real-time imaging identify unwanted plants and apply pesticides in a targeted manner, reducing waste. Automatic guidance systems reduce overlaps from 30 cm to about 5 cm, while Section Control automatically adjusts fertilizer application, eliminating gaps and minimizing excesses. 

Digital technologies facilitate task recording, data analysis, and maintenance planning, allowing for resource optimization, reduced operator effort, and increased yield and sustainability. More than just optimization, AI redefines the farmer's role: from executor to intelligence manager, making decisions based on real-time data. 

The silent revolution of artificial intelligence is not limited to industry or agriculture. It redefines Brazil's production model, showing that efficiency, innovation, and sustainability can go hand in hand. The challenge now is to broaden access to these technologies so that different producers can enjoy the benefits of an increasingly intelligent and competitive agriculture.

*Per Elizeu dos Santos He is an expert in agribusiness and Product Marketing Manager at Valtra and Fendt.