Repository of DUTH

Smart agriculture (Master thesis)

Πισκιλόπουλος, Αρσένιος/ Piskilopoulos, Arsenios

This research examines the factors influencing the intention to adopt and use robotic technologies by Greek farmers. In the agricultural sector, where productivity growth and sustainability are key priorities, understanding the drivers and mechanisms behind the acceptance of new technologies is particularly important. The research is based on a comprehensive conceptual framework developed through a literature review and data collection from 166 Greek farmers via structured questionnaires. The analysis was conducted using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), enabling the identification of direct and indirect effects among factors. Key determinants include perceived performance, facilitating conditions, personal innovativeness, and the availability of labor. The findings indicate that technical support, training, and sufficient labor availability are critical for enhancing the intention to use robotic technologies. The study highlights limitations, such as its geographical focus on Greece and the absence of qualitative methods. It suggests directions for future research, including exploring technology acceptance at an international level, analyzing environmental impacts, and examining complementary technologies. Overall, the findings underscore the need to strengthen supportive conditions and educational initiatives to promote robotics in agriculture, contributing to the sector’s sustainability and productivity. This research contributes to understanding the factors shaping farmers’ behavior toward technological innovations, offering valuable recommendations for support policies and adoption strategies.