Pilot Case 4
Robotic technologies for crop monitoring and management in soilless tomato cultivation in Italy
Location: Experimental and commercial settings in Italy
Overview
Pilot Case 4 pioneers autonomous robots for continuous monitoring of tomato crops grown in soilless systems. Using 2D/3D and multispectral sensors, robots collect plant growth, biomass, and fruit quality data, processed through advanced deep learning for agronomic decision support.
Timeline
Developed over four years, this pilot will integrate sensor-rich robot platforms with AI-driven crop management. Partner farmers will co-design growth strategies, culminating in demonstrations across experimental and commercial greenhouses.
Validation
Multiple tomato cycles will test robot accuracy in assessing growth and fruit traits. Data-driven insights will be benchmarked against traditional manual methods, with a focus on improving productivity and reducing labor input.
AR Integration
Operators will use AR interfaces to view crop health in immersive formats and engage with interactive training content to enhance their skills in managing soilless tomato systems using robotics.
