Texas Program Aims to Modernize Farming with Training in AI and Robotics

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) have launched a new 24-week training program designed to prepare undergraduate students for careers in smart agriculture. Supported by a $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the initiative will teach students how to apply artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics to address labor shortages and improve agricultural productivity.

Known as REEL-A3 (Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates), the program aims to recruit 40 students over the next five years from universities and community colleges across South and Central Texas. Participants will receive hands-on training in UTSA and SwRI laboratories, work alongside farmers and agricultural extension agents, and gain experience with technologies driving the future of precision farming.

Mimi Xie, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at UTSA's College of AI, Cyber and Computing, said:

”There is an urgent need for a well-trained workforce in these areas. We want to train students and make them more interested in graduate study and careers that will modernize the food industry.”

The program comes as the agricultural sector faces growing workforce shortages and rising demand for food production. According to industry estimates, the United States had approximately 2.4 million unfilled agricultural jobs in 2024, while the United Nations projects that global food production must increase by 70% by 2050 to meet the needs of a growing population.

Students accepted into the program will complete three eight-week training phases across the summer, fall, and spring semesters. In addition to technical instruction, participants will receive mentoring from AI and robotics experts, professional development support, housing, travel assistance, meal allowances, and a stipend. The initiative is intended to help accelerate the adoption of smart agriculture technologies while preparing the next generation of professionals for the evolving agricultural industry.