The agriculture industry is on the verge of a digital revolution that will transform various farming practices, from land preparation to harvesting and pest control. This revolution includes the use of advanced machinery like driverless tractors and harvesters, as well as automated systems for milking and feeding livestock. The ongoing technological advancements and integration of automation have the potential to profoundly affect both the economic and social aspects of rural communities. This includes the creation of new jobs and the displacement of traditional production roles. While automation and robotics hold promise in addressing sustainability challenges, their impact on the agricultural workforce remains uncertain. The interaction between humans and robots in agriculture gives rise to concerns about occupational safety and health that require attention for the well-being of the workforce.
Enjoy unlimited growth with a year of Coursera Plus for $199 (regularly $399). Save now.
What you'll learn
Understand the safety challenges, risks, and industry standards shaping the use of autonomous and AI-driven technologies in agriculture.
Explore how risk assessment methods and current research contribute to safer machine design, AI systems, and agricultural work environments.
Examine the broader impacts of automation and AI on agricultural labor markets, future technologies, and issues such as data bias.
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Add to your LinkedIn profile
December 2025
5 assignments
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
There are 4 modules in this course
Learn about the course by reviewing the course syllabus and meeting your instructor. Then, dive into module 1, where we will examine the unique challenges and risks that contribute to high rates of occupational injuries in agriculture, from environmental hazards to physically demanding work conditions. You will also explore emerging research on the safety of autonomous machinery, including how automation is reshaping risk factors, prevention strategies, and the future of agricultural work. By the end of the module, you will understand both the longstanding safety issues facing farm workers and the new considerations introduced by autonomous technologies.
What's included
12 videos4 readings1 assignment
In this module, you will explore how risk assessment techniques are used to improve the safety of agricultural machinery and guide the development of safer systems. You will examine the methods and frameworks applied to assess and mitigate risks associated with AI technologies in agriculture, including how these tools help identify hazards, reduce uncertainty, and support responsible innovation.
What's included
14 videos2 readings1 assignment
In this module, you will explore the industry standards and regulatory frameworks that guide the development and use of autonomous technologies in agriculture. You will examine how these standards shape safety, performance, and ethical implementation, and how they influence the integration of automation across the agricultural sector.
What's included
13 videos2 readings1 assignment
In this module, you will explore how autonomous technologies are reshaping agricultural labor markets, from shifting job roles to the creation of new skill demands. You will also consider how future AI advancements may influence agricultural systems and decision-making. Additionally, you will examine the issues that arise from bias in AI and agricultural data collection, and how these challenges affect the development and use of emerging technologies.
What's included
13 videos3 readings2 assignments
Instructor
Offered by
Explore more from Mechanical Engineering
Status: PreviewEDUCBA
Status: Free TrialUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Status: PreviewFred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Status: Free TrialMacquarie University
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Frequently asked questions
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
More questions
Financial aid available,