- Eurecat Innova, the joint innovation unit from the technological centre Eurecat and Innovation Institute Ricardo del Valle, participates in the 2024 Expo AgriTech in Malaga, from 26th to 28th November
Eurecat Innova, the joint innovation unit from the technological centre Eurecat and Ricardo del Valle Institute of Innovation Foundation (Innova IRV), presented innovative technologies in fields like robotics, AI, biotechnology and sustainability in order to face challenges in the agricultural sector in the Expo AgriTech 2024, in Malaga.
“The agricultural sector is facing significant challenges such as climate change, lack of manpower or the need to improve sustainability in tillage practices. With the integration of advanced technologies, we want to contribute to the improvement of productivity, efficiency and sustainability in the businesses of the agricultural sector ”, states Director of Eurecat Innova Málaga, Ignacio de la Vega,
Eurecat Innova showcased agricultural robots equipped with modular tools that allow them to autonomously complete agricultural tasks such as crop spraying, monitoring, fruit analysis, and product transportation. This provides farmers with greater control over the tasks being carried out.
The advanced management of this group of robots is done through the SOMAgro platform, a project carried out by Grupo Saltó, which optimizes the assignment of tasks and allows for dynamic replanning in the event of unseen circumstances. Moreover, this platform facilitates the reduction of size and weight of the current machinery and the promotion of electrification of this sector.
Eurecat showcases a technology-advanced drone for real-time monitorization of crops that allows the implementation of phytosanitary treatments, among other solutions to improve decision taking and efficiency of resources in agricultural management.
Additionally, the stand features a greenhouse equipped with organic, flexible, and semi-transparent photovoltaic modules made through printed electronics. These modules incorporate materials specifically selected to ensure light absorption that complements plant growth. This system has been implemented as part of the European project SYNATRA.
Eurcat Innova also presents an intelligent innovative platform with digital tools for precision in viticulture that promotes a more sustainable management of the vineyard and its resilience against climate change.
The combination of technologies such as AI, IoT, remote sensing, drones, Satellite based Earth observation services and sensors locatef in the field that allows VitiGEOSS generate provisions, recommendations and useful indications that help improve the management and sustainability of agricultural practices.
AgriTech 4.0 Congress
Furthermore, in the congress of the event, experts from Eurcat Innova have shared the solutions and innovations in the robotics applied to agricultural crops field in a conference led by Director of the Robotics and Automatization Unit in Eurecat, Daniel Serrano. They also discussed the transformation of wine production with smart vineyards, highlighting the European project VitiGEOSS, presented by the researcher from the Applied Artificial Intelligence Unit at Eurecat, Josep Pijuan.
On the other hand, a demonstration session for industry professionals led by Business developer at the Eurocat Food Market, Carol Benedí and Director of Eurocat Innova Málaga, Ignacio de la Vega have showcased the development Eurocat Innova is making in the agriculture technology sector, in fields such as robotics, AI or renewable energy sources that contribute to sustainability and transformation of the fruit and vegetables industry.
Director of the Functional Printing and Embedded System Unit of Eurecat, Paul Lacharmoise, presented the latest technology news for agricultural sustainability with applications ranging from photovoltaic energy with solar panels for crop coverage, to sensors for obtaining water quality parameters, as well as harvesting solutions powered by biological bacteria activity in the soil capable of generating energy, among others. This conference took place the 28th November at Auditorium 1 of the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga.