At present, the entities of the agrarian sector are moving towards the digital, intellectual and robotic technologies or the robotization of the industry. Robotics is used in the various fields of the agrarian sector, the most widespread is the milking robotics. From 2006 to 2016, in the agricultural enterprises of the Russian Federation, 393 units of robotics were introduced. While in the Sverdlovsk region at the beginning of 2018, 37 units of this equipment have been used. We suggest to use the indicator of “density of agricultural robotization” to characterize the effectiveness of the transition to robotics. This indicator for Russia increased from 0.02 to 0.78 units, and for the Sverdlovsk region — from 0.3 to 3.17 for the periods under review. However, the slowdown and low values of the density of agricultural robotics make it necessary to develop appropriate measures. The article proposes a model of an organizational and economic mechanism for the transition to robotics. It includes target, investment, technical and technological as well as personnel sections. The initial data on the state of the introduction of robotics in agricultural organizations was provided by the ministries and departments, as well as statistical bodies. We determined scenarios of inertial, targeted and system development of robotics in agriculture depending on the level of state support. We have determined that the investments needed for the robotization of agricultural enterprises in the Sverdlovsk region are at the level of 472 million rubles. Moreover, we have formulated the tasks, recommendations and the expected result from the training of personnel capable to master robotics in the industry. The most important measure is the reduction in the cost of this equipment due to its domestic production. The results of the research can be used by the executive authorities in developing programmes for the innovative development and technical modernization of agriculture.

The paper analyses the prospects of applying artificia l intelligenc e (AI ) technologie s i n agricultur e o f Sverdlovs k oblast. This topic is currently relevant, as in the context of the rapid technological development and various innovations in the digital sphere; there is still considerable uncertainty about using AI in agricultural production. During the preparatory phase, an analysis of publications in the Web of Science (WoS) allowed to identify the nature and scope of the application of AI technologies in agriculture. Relying on a survey of managers from 55 agricultural organizations, the study determines the problems and prospects of using AI technologies in the regional agriculture. The respondents claim it is appropriate to use AI technologies for producing livestock products (26.0 %) and ensuring animal welfare (18.5 %). Considering the application of such technologies, the respondents expect an increase in production (23.2 %) and a decrease in costs (20.3 %). More than half of the respondents express their belief that AI technologists will significantly change agricultural production, reducing low-skilled labour employment while creating new jobs in the intellectual sphere. However, a positive perception of AI technologies may be the reason for somewhat unrealistic expectations from their use. A large part of the surveyed managers (65.5 %) presumes that these technologies will increase the production profitability, even though only 9.8% of the respondents are currently using them. The application of AI technologies in the regional agriculture is limited due to their high cost and the lack of funds. In order to overcome these constraints, it is necessary to increase state support and train staff. AI technologies will enable forecast accuracy in various areas of agriculture that will attract additional investments in the regional agriculture. Executive authorities can use the research results for creating programs of digital agriculture development.