World FIRA, the international agricultural robot event, is set to showcase the latest advancements in agricultural robotic technology next year. Taking place from 6 to 8 February in France, the event will feature more than 20 in-field demonstrations and presentations from dozens of robot manufacturers.
Visitors to World FIRA will have the opportunity to witness these demonstrations in real-life conditions at the Agrobiopôle in Auzeville-Tolosane near Toulouse. With a 2-hectare demo zone and an exhibition area segmented by sector, attendees can explore the latest developments in agricultural robotics across various fields including crops, vegetables, vineyards, orchards, and livestock.
Among the robot manufacturers presenting their latest advances at World FIRA are Yanmar, Agrointelli, Bluewhite, Continental, Crover, Naïo Technologies, EXXACT Robotics, Léger Innovation, SITIA, Odd.Bot, Osiris Agriculture, Pats, Robotic Perception, Slopehelper, Softirob, Ullmanna, Afara, Alpha unmanned systems, K.U.L.T., and Pixelfarming. These companies will showcase a wide range of innovative robots designed to revolutionize farming practices.
One of the standout robots that visitors can expect to see at World FIRA is the AROW Box, which is part of Ullmanna’s DECIMAL platform. The AROW Box offers a chemical-free and environmentally friendly solution for weed control by identifying and targeting crops in real-time. Another noteworthy robot is the Afara Cotton Picker, a semi-autonomous robot designed to efficiently collect leftover cotton from fields after harvesting.
In addition to these robots, World FIRA will also feature other autonomous agricultural technologies. For instance, CROVER, a robot that can swim through bulk solids and powders such as cereal grains and pulses stored in sheds and warehouses, will be on display. This technology enables farmers to map the condition of the grain with higher resolution and data points density than static solutions currently allow. The Alpha A900, an advanced UAV developed by Alpha Unmanned Systems, will also be showcased at the event.
World FIRA is not only an opportunity for farmers, distributors, and dealers to discover the latest robotic technology, but it also offers a platform for conferences, research presentations, and educational projects. Participants can attend various conferences and learn about cutting-edge research in the field of agricultural autonomy.
Furthermore, the event will host the World FIRA Awards 2024, which aim to recognize the finest robots designed for crop cultivation applications. The awards include categories such as Ag Robot of the Year 2024, Best FIRA Start-up, and Best World FIRA Robot. These awards celebrate innovation and excellence in the agricultural robotics industry.
To further enhance knowledge sharing and collaboration, World FIRA is launching its first International Symposium on Agricultural Autonomy. This symposium will bring together end users, manufacturers, and representatives of unions and associations to discuss the challenges and future of agricultural autonomy. Workshops on industry challenges and safety of autonomous functions will be held, allowing manufacturers and legislators to collaborate on finding solutions.
With the rapid growth of agricultural robotics, World FIRA provides a unique opportunity for participants to discover the latest technologies and trends in one place. With over 600 robots already in use in crop production in France alone, and a global market expected to reach US $40.1 billion by 2028, the event is a must-attend for anyone interested in the future of farming.