Zukunftslabor Agrar Concludes

For the past five years, the CITAH partner Osnabrück University has coordinated the “Zukunftslabor Agrar” project, which concluded on September 18, 2024. The insights gained from this project now provide a valuable foundation from which CITAH clients can directly benefit.

Results

Subproject 1: Analysis of Data Recording and Data Flows in Agriculture

Researchers found that data in most farms is still collected manually. The study involved poultry, pig farming, and dairy cattle operations. The scientists identified 30 use cases in which digital tools (such as assistance systems, sensors, artificial intelligence, and data integration) could be used to optimize processes (such as automation, feeding, cleaning, health monitoring, sustainability practices, etc.) through digitalization.

The project “DigiFu” focused on the digitalization of forage production. Its goal was to enable fully automated data collection on farms.

Subproject 2: Practical Autonomization of Agricultural Processes

The autonomous robot platform “BoniRob,” equipped with GPS and various sensors, can measure soil parameters such as compaction and moisture and move autonomously across a field. To simulate different applications, the researchers created a digital twin of “BoniRob” and simulated the field where they operated the robot. These simulations allowed them to conduct various virtual experiments and only implement them in real life after successful outcomes (e.g., testing different sensors).

Subproject 3:  Sustainability of Digitalization in Lower Saxony’s Agriculture

Researchers examined the acceptance level of autonomous robots among farmers and the reasons for or against using innovative technologies. A survey of around 350 farmers revealed that they are particularly open to using autonomous robots if the technology works reliably and does not create excessive additional work for people. Additionally, farmers want to retain control over their work processes. Overall, the respondents were somewhat cautious about the use of robotics.

For more details, read the full article: https://zdin.de/aktuelles/erfolgreicher-abschluss-zukunftslabor-agrar-praesentierte-ergebnisse