“You’re opening Pandora’s Box”: Public attitudes on AI and robotics in Australian agriculture

Abstract

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics is widely expected to revolutionise agriculture. Although an emerging literature is bringing into conversation AI and agricultural ethics, there has been little attention paid to public attitudes regarding such technological change. Using data collected in 12 dialogue groups conducted across rural and metropolitan Australia, this paper examines public perceptions of the social and ethical impacts of AI and robotics in agriculture. We identify and map a diversity of views regarding the possible risks and benefits of AI and robotics, and the value of agriculture in the context of a future of 'farmerless farming.' Our results add depth and nuance to the existing, mostly quantitative, literature on public attitudes towards agricultural robotics and AI and constitute a valuable resource for policymakers, or other stakeholders who want to engage with public opinion regarding these technologies.