DJI Agras T70: Revolutionary 50ha/Hour AI Crop Spraying System

The agricultural industry is witnessing a groundbreaking transformation with DJI's latest innovation - the Agras T70 drone swarm agriculture system that can spray an incredible 50 hectares per hour. This revolutionary technology combines artificial intelligence, precision application systems, and coordinated multi-drone operations to completely reimagine how large-scale farms manage crop protection. By enabling a single operator to control up to five drones working in perfect synchronization, the T70 system dramatically reduces labor requirements while improving application accuracy, minimizing chemical usage, and allowing farmers to treat vast areas within critical application windows that would be impossible with traditional equipment.

Drone Swarm Agriculture: How the DJI Agras T70 is Revolutionizing Farming

The concept of drone swarm agriculture represents a fundamental shift in how we approach large-scale farming operations. Unlike traditional agricultural equipment or even single-drone systems, the T70 platform introduces true swarm intelligence to the farm. ??

At its core, the T70 system allows one operator to simultaneously control up to five high-capacity agricultural drones that work together as a coordinated unit. This multiplies efficiency without multiplying the workforce needed - a critical advantage in today's challenging agricultural labor market.

The coordination between drones is managed through DJI's proprietary SwarmLink? technology, which maintains precise positioning between each unit with centimeter-level accuracy. Using a combination of RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) GPS systems, visual positioning sensors, and constant cross-communication, the drones maintain perfect formation and coverage patterns. This eliminates the gaps or overlaps commonly seen with traditional spraying methods, ensuring every plant receives exactly the intended application rate.

Each T70 drone carries an impressive 70-liter liquid payload - significantly larger than previous agricultural drone models. When operating as a five-drone swarm, this translates to a combined 350-liter capacity that can be deployed without returning to base for refilling. The system's intelligent tank monitoring ensures all drones maintain consistent application rates and alert the operator when liquid levels are running low.

The flight patterns are optimized through sophisticated AI algorithms that consider field boundaries, obstacles, wind conditions, and crop requirements. Before takeoff, the system automatically generates the most efficient flight path for each drone, ensuring maximum coverage with minimum flight time. This optimization extends battery life and increases the total area that can be treated per battery charge.

What truly sets the T70 drone swarm apart is its adaptive behavior during operation. If one drone encounters an issue or needs to return for maintenance, the remaining units automatically recalibrate their flight paths to cover the gap. This resilience ensures that operations continue smoothly even if individual units need attention - something impossible with single-drone or traditional equipment approaches.

Farmers who have adopted the T70 swarm system report dramatic improvements in operational efficiency. James Wilson, who manages a 3,000-hectare farm in Australia, shares: "Before implementing the T70 swarm, spraying our entire operation took nearly a week with traditional equipment. Now we can cover the same area in just over a day with significantly better results. The precision is remarkable - we're seeing more uniform application and using about 30% less chemical overall." ??

The environmental benefits are substantial as well. The precise application means less chemical runoff into waterways, while the aerial application eliminates the soil compaction caused by heavy ground equipment. Additionally, the electric-powered drones produce zero emissions during operation, contributing to a smaller carbon footprint compared to diesel-powered spraying equipment.

Technical Specifications and Performance of the Drone Swarm Agriculture System

The exceptional performance of the DJI Agras T70 drone swarm agriculture system is built upon a foundation of cutting-edge technical specifications that enable its remarkable 50ha/hour coverage rate. Understanding these specifications helps explain why this system represents such a significant leap forward in agricultural technology.

Each T70 drone features a carbon fiber and composite material construction that perfectly balances durability with weight efficiency. This advanced material choice allows for the substantial 70-liter payload capacity while maintaining the agility needed for precise agricultural applications. The empty weight of each unit is approximately 21kg, with a maximum takeoff weight of 95kg when fully loaded with spray liquid. ???

Propulsion comes from eight powerful brushless motors arranged in a coaxial configuration, providing redundancy in case of motor failure. Each motor generates up to 12kg of thrust, giving the fully loaded aircraft a thrust-to-weight ratio that ensures stable flight even in challenging weather conditions. The T70 can operate in winds up to 8 m/s (28.8 km/h), significantly expanding the operational window compared to earlier agricultural drone models.

The spray system itself represents a major advancement in precision application technology. Each drone is equipped with 16 atomizing nozzles that create optimal droplet sizes between 90-300 microns (adjustable based on application requirements). This droplet size range maximizes both drift resistance and plant coverage. The spray width per drone is an impressive 9 meters, and when operating in a five-drone formation, the system can cover a 45-meter swath in a single pass - approaching the capability of much larger ground equipment.

Power management is critical for sustained operations. The T70 utilizes high-density lithium polymer battery packs that provide approximately 15 minutes of spray time per charge when fully loaded. While this might seem brief, the system's rapid battery swap capability (under 30 seconds with trained operators) and the high efficiency of the spray pattern mean that actual productivity remains exceptional. A typical operation might involve 3-4 battery sets in rotation, with some charging while others are in use. ?

The sensing and perception systems on the T70 are equally advanced. Each drone is equipped with millimeter-wave radar systems that provide omnidirectional obstacle sensing up to 30 meters away, allowing for autonomous obstacle avoidance even in low visibility conditions like fog or dust. Binocular vision sensors provide additional obstacle detection and assist with precise altitude maintenance above varying crop canopies.

For crop analysis and targeted application, the T70 incorporates multispectral imaging sensors that can detect plant stress, disease presence, and nutrient deficiencies. This data is processed in real-time by onboard AI systems that can adjust application rates on-the-fly based on crop needs - applying more product to affected areas and reducing application in healthy zones.

The brain of the operation is DJI's agricultural-specific flight controller, which processes input from all sensors and manages the complex calculations needed for precise positioning and spray control. This controller operates at 100Hz, making tiny adjustments to flight parameters and spray output 100 times per second. The controller also manages the inter-drone communication that keeps the swarm operating as a coordinated unit.

On the ground, the T70 system is controlled through DJI's AG-2000 controller and D-RTK base station. The controller features a 10.1-inch high-brightness display that remains visible even in direct sunlight, while the RTK base station provides centimeter-level positioning accuracy. The interface allows operators to define field boundaries, identify no-spray zones (like water bodies or organic fields), and monitor all drones simultaneously. ??

Real-World Applications of Drone Swarm Agriculture with the T70

The theoretical capabilities of the DJI Agras T70 drone swarm agriculture system are impressive on paper, but the real test comes in practical field applications. Farmers across diverse agricultural regions are finding innovative ways to implement this technology, often with remarkable results that extend beyond simple efficiency gains.

Large-scale grain production has been one of the earliest adopters of the T70 swarm system. In the wheat fields of Australia's western plains, farmers managing thousands of hectares have integrated drone swarms into their pest and disease management programs. Tim McGregor, who operates a 5,000-hectare wheat farm, reports: "Fungicide application timing is critical for preventing rust in wheat. With the T70 swarm, we can treat our entire operation within two days of detecting the first signs of disease pressure. Before, this would have taken nearly two weeks with ground rigs, by which time the disease would have already caused significant yield loss." ??

The system's ability to operate in wet conditions has proven particularly valuable. When fields are too wet for ground equipment, the T70 drones can continue operations without causing soil compaction or getting stuck. This capability has been transformative for rice farmers in Southeast Asia, where paddy fields are often inaccessible to traditional equipment. A cooperative of rice farmers in Thailand reported being able to reduce labor costs by 65% while improving application uniformity after adopting a shared T70 system.

Specialty crop producers have discovered unique advantages in the precision capabilities of the drone swarm. Vineyard operators in California's Napa Valley have implemented T70 systems for targeted fungicide applications. The drones' ability to adjust spray volume based on canopy density ensures that the right amount of product reaches each part of the vineyard. "The variable rate application has reduced our fungicide use by nearly 40% while actually improving disease control," notes Elena Ramirez, vineyard manager at a premium wine producer. "The ROI was clear after just one season." ??

In regions with varied terrain, the T70's ability to maintain precise application regardless of slope or field shape has eliminated the "edge effect" common with ground equipment. Farmers in the rolling hills of central Europe have reported more consistent crop protection results, especially in irregularly shaped fields where traditional equipment often results in under or over-application at field edges and corners.

Perhaps the most innovative applications have come from farmers integrating the T70 with other precision agriculture systems. In Brazil's expansive soybean operations, farmers are combining drone swarm spraying with satellite and ground sensor data. The process begins with satellite imagery identifying potential problem areas, which are then scouted using smaller drones equipped with multispectral cameras. This data feeds into prescription maps that guide the T70 swarm to apply variable rates of inputs precisely where needed. The result is a highly targeted approach that maximizes effectiveness while minimizing input costs.

Environmental stewardship has emerged as an unexpected benefit. Farmers operating near sensitive areas like waterways or residential zones have found that the precision application and reduced drift of the T70 system allows them to maintain effective crop protection while minimizing off-target movement. Several farming operations in Europe have reported that the drone swarm technology has helped them comply with increasingly strict environmental regulations while maintaining productivity. ??

For contractors offering agricultural services, the T70 drone swarm has opened new business models. Mobile spray service providers can now cover significantly more area per day, allowing them to serve more clients during critical application windows. Several entrepreneurial operators have reported being able to double or triple their service area without increasing staff after adopting the T70 system.

Economic Impact and ROI of Implementing Drone Swarm Agriculture

The decision to invest in advanced technology like the DJI Agras T70 drone swarm agriculture system ultimately comes down to economics for most farming operations. With a significant upfront investment required, understanding the complete financial picture is essential for making informed decisions about adoption.

The initial investment for a complete T70 drone swarm agriculture system is substantial. A five-drone setup with all necessary support equipment (controllers, batteries, chargers, RTK base station, transport vehicle modifications) typically requires an investment of approximately $150,000-180,000. This represents a significant capital expenditure compared to traditional spraying equipment, which might cost $50,000-100,000 for a comparable capacity ground rig. ??

However, the economic analysis becomes more favorable when examining operational costs. Traditional ground sprayers consume significant quantities of fuel - often 15-20 liters of diesel per hour of operation. By contrast, the electrical operation of the T70 drones costs approximately 75-80% less in direct energy expenses. For operations treating thousands of hectares annually, this energy saving alone can amount to $10,000-15,000 per year.

Labor efficiency creates another major economic advantage. While the T70 system and traditional ground equipment both typically require one primary operator, the drone swarm's higher work rate means fewer total labor hours for the same area. Additionally, the T70 eliminates the need for "flag people" or markers that are sometimes required with ground applications to prevent gaps or overlaps. Large operations report labor savings of 30-50% for spray operations after adopting the T70 system.

The precision application capabilities generate perhaps the most significant economic benefit through input reduction. Farmers consistently report using 30-40% less chemical product for the same or better results due to the T70's ability to maintain optimal droplet size, height, and distribution pattern. For operations spending hundreds of thousands on crop protection products annually, this reduction translates to substantial savings. A 5,000-hectare grain operation might save $75,000-100,000 annually on chemical costs alone. ??

Timeliness value - the economic benefit of completing operations within optimal windows - is harder to quantify but often more significant than direct cost savings. Crop protection applications are time-sensitive, with delays potentially reducing effectiveness or requiring higher rates. The T70's ability to cover 50 hectares per hour means critical applications can be completed within narrow weather windows or at precisely the right growth stage. Farmers report yield improvements of 5-10% attributable to more timely applications, which can represent hundreds of thousands in additional revenue for large operations.

When all factors are considered, most large-scale adopters report reaching break-even on their investment within 2-3 growing seasons. Smaller operations may require longer payback periods unless they maximize the system through custom application services for neighboring farms. As one 3,000-hectare corn and soybean farmer in the U.S. Midwest calculated: "Between chemical savings, yield improvements from better timing, reduced soil compaction, and labor efficiency, our T70 system pays for itself in about 30 months of operation - after that, it's all additional profit margin."

Implementation Guide: Setting Up Your Own Drone Swarm Agriculture System

For agricultural operations considering the adoption of drone swarm technology like the DJI Agras T70 system, the implementation process involves several critical steps. This guide outlines the key considerations and best practices for successfully integrating this advanced technology into existing farm operations.

Step 1: Regulatory Compliance and Licensing

Before purchasing any equipment, thoroughly research the regulatory requirements in your region. Agricultural drone operations typically require specific certifications and licenses that go beyond standard drone regulations. In the United States, this includes obtaining a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA for each operator, plus additional certifications for agricultural application. Most countries have similar requirements, though specifics vary widely. ??

Contact your local aviation authority and agricultural department for specific guidance. Many regions also require pesticide applicator licenses for drone operators applying restricted products. Documentation requirements for application records may be more stringent than for ground equipment, so establish compliant record-keeping systems before beginning operations. Some jurisdictions require notification to nearby residents or businesses before drone application, particularly in areas with mixed agricultural and residential use.

The investment in proper licensing and compliance systems typically ranges from $500-2,000 depending on your location, but is essential for legal operation. Many agricultural drone suppliers offer compliance packages that include assistance with the regulatory process, which can be valuable for first-time implementers. Plan for this process to take 30-60 days in most regions, so start well before your intended operational date.

Step 2: Site Assessment and Infrastructure Preparation

Successful drone swarm operations require appropriate infrastructure and site conditions. Begin by identifying suitable takeoff and landing zones that provide clear, level surfaces away from obstacles and power lines. These areas should be at least 10m x 10m for a five-drone swarm and located as centrally as possible to the fields being treated to maximize efficiency. ???

Evaluate your existing buildings for suitable storage and maintenance space. The T70 system requires secure, climate-controlled storage for electronic components and batteries, plus space for routine maintenance. Many operations convert existing sheds or construct simple 20-30 square meter buildings specifically for their drone operations.

Power infrastructure is critical - the system requires reliable electricity for battery charging. A dedicated 240V/50A circuit is recommended for operating multiple chargers simultaneously. Some remote operations implement solar charging stations with battery backup to enable operations away from the main electrical grid.

Water supply systems for mixing and loading spray solutions should be designed with efficiency in mind. The most effective setups include direct plumbing to the drone loading area with appropriate backflow prevention and measuring systems for accurate mixing. Budget $5,000-15,000 for infrastructure modifications depending on your existing facilities.

Step 3: Equipment Selection and Acquisition

While this guide focuses on the DJI Agras T70 system, there are important considerations regarding the specific configuration and supporting equipment. Begin by determining the optimal number of drones for your operation - not every farm needs a full five-drone swarm immediately. Many successful implementations start with 2-3 drones and expand as operators gain experience. ??

Battery requirements depend on your typical application area and working patterns. As a general rule, each drone requires 3-4 battery sets for continuous operation, plus appropriate chargers. For a three-drone system, this means 9-12 battery sets and at least 3 multi-battery charging stations.

Transport solutions are often overlooked but critical for efficiency. Purpose-built trailers or vehicle inserts that allow for secure transport and rapid deployment can save hours of setup time each day. These typically cost $5,000-10,000 but are worth the investment for operations treating multiple fields.

Consider the specific nozzle configurations for your typical applications. The T70 supports various nozzle types optimized for different products and target crops. Having several complete nozzle sets allows for quick changes between application types without extensive cleaning.

Work with authorized dealers who can provide not just equipment but also initial training and ongoing support. The total investment for a three-drone T70 system with all necessary supporting equipment typically ranges from $90,000-120,000.

Step 4: Team Training and Skill Development

The technical capabilities of the T70 system can only be fully realized with properly trained operators and support personnel. Comprehensive training should include both theoretical knowledge and extensive hands-on practice. ??

Begin with basic drone operation skills, even for experienced equipment operators. The multi-drone control environment is unique and requires specific skills that don't directly transfer from other equipment types. DJI and authorized dealers offer basic operational training programs that typically run 2-3 days.

Advanced training should cover mission planning, swarm coordination, emergency procedures, and troubleshooting. This typically requires another 2-3 days of specialized training. Some operations find it valuable to have their lead operators attend factory training programs, which provide deeper technical understanding.

Maintenance training is equally important. At least one team member should receive comprehensive technical training on system maintenance, calibration, and basic repairs. This person becomes the operation's technical specialist and first-line troubleshooter.

Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) specific to your operation that cover everything from pre-flight checks to emergency responses. These documented procedures ensure consistency across operators and shifts.

Step 5: Integration with Farm Management Systems

To maximize the value of your drone swarm agriculture system, integration with existing farm management platforms is essential. This enables data-driven decision making and creates a comprehensive record of all operations. ??

Begin by ensuring compatibility between your existing farm management software and the DJI Agriculture management platform. Most major farm management systems now offer API connections or data import capabilities for drone application data, but verification before purchase is essential.

Field boundary mapping should be standardized across all platforms. Importing accurate field boundaries into the drone system ensures precise coverage and reduces the risk of off-target application. This typically requires exporting boundary files from your farm management system and converting them to formats compatible with the DJI system.

Prescription map workflows should be established for variable rate applications. If you're already creating zone maps or prescription applications for ground equipment, develop a process for converting these to drone-compatible formats. This may require additional software or services initially.

Data management protocols should specify how application records are captured, verified, and archived. The detailed application maps generated by the T70 system provide valuable historical data but require proper management to be useful for future decision making.

The Future of Drone Swarm Agriculture: Beyond the T70

While the DJI Agras T70 drone swarm agriculture system represents the current pinnacle of agricultural drone technology, ongoing developments suggest that we're only seeing the beginning of what drone swarms will ultimately contribute to farming. Industry experts and agricultural technologists are already envisioning the next evolutionary steps in this rapidly advancing field.

Increased autonomy stands as the most immediate frontier. Current T70 systems require operator oversight and intervention for certain decisions, but the next generation of drone swarm agriculture is moving toward complete mission autonomy. DJI and other manufacturers are developing systems where drones can take off, complete complex application patterns, return for refilling, and resume operations with minimal human input. This would allow a single operator to potentially manage much larger swarms - perhaps 10-20 drones simultaneously - multiplying productivity even further. ??

Integration with other autonomous farm equipment represents another promising direction. Experimental systems are already linking drone swarms with autonomous ground vehicles that serve as mobile refilling stations. These ground units can carry hundreds of liters of spray solution and automatically refill drones when they return, eliminating the need for drones to return to a fixed base station. Some prototypes even feature landing platforms on moving vehicles, allowing drones to refill while the vehicle repositions closer to the active work area.

Sensor technology advancements will dramatically expand the analytical capabilities of drone swarms. Next-generation agricultural drones are incorporating hyperspectral imaging sensors that can detect dozens of spectral bands, providing much more detailed information about crop health, disease presence, and nutrient status than current systems. When combined with machine learning algorithms that improve over time, these sensors will enable increasingly precise variable-rate applications tailored to the specific needs of each square meter of a field.

Biological application capabilities represent an exciting development area. Researchers are adapting drone swarm systems to deploy beneficial insects like predatory mites or parasitic wasps for pest control, as well as specialized microbial solutions that can improve soil health or plant resistance. These biological applications often require more precise handling than chemical applications, making drone delivery an ideal match for their specific requirements. ??

Weather adaptation algorithms are becoming more sophisticated, allowing drone swarms to not just avoid unsuitable weather but actively adapt to it. Advanced systems in development can adjust droplet size, flight speed, and altitude based on real-time wind, temperature, and humidity measurements, maintaining optimal application effectiveness across varying conditions within a single field.

Battery and power system improvements will address one of the current limitations of drone technology. Solid-state batteries with higher energy density, hydrogen fuel cells, and even small combustion generators are being tested as ways to extend flight times from the current 15-20 minutes to potentially hours of continuous operation. This would dramatically reduce the number of battery swaps needed and further improve operational efficiency.

Artificial intelligence integration is perhaps the most transformative development on the horizon. AI systems that can recognize specific weeds, diseases, or pest damage and make real-time application decisions are already in development. These systems promise to move beyond simple variable rate application based on vigor maps to truly intelligent pest management that can distinguish between different threats and apply appropriate treatments only where needed.

As Dr. Sarah Chen, agricultural robotics researcher, summarizes: "The T70 represents the first generation of true drone swarm agriculture, but we're seeing development accelerate rapidly. Within five years, I expect we'll see fully autonomous systems managing entire growing seasons - from planting to harvest - with drone swarms handling everything from seeding to crop protection to selective harvesting of high-value crops. The farm of 2030 might have more drones than human workers." ??