In just a week, the agricultural technology landscape will gather at the World FIRA 2025, marking the event’s ninth edition focused on ag robotics and autonomy. The event, organized by GOFAR, the Global Organisation for Agricultural Robotics, promises to prioritize farmers and their experiences with field robots and automation. Gwendoline Legrand, co-director of GOFAR, emphasizes the event’s commitment to making robotics accessible to farmers, expecting that 30 to 35 percent of the anticipated 1,000 attendees will be growers. For the first time, farmers will enjoy free admission, a move aimed at encouraging broader participation from the agricultural community.
World FIRA 2025 will take place from February 4 to 6 at the Agrobiopôle in Auzeville Tolosane, near Toulouse, France. With a focus on hands-on experiences, the event has been revamped to be more attractive to farmers not just from France, but from across Europe and the globe. Legrand highlights the inclusion of new workshops that offer practical insights into working with autonomous robots, demonstrating that operating these technologies is as straightforward as using traditional tractors or farm machinery. “We want to let farmers experience themselves how easy it is to adopt a robot on their farm,” Legrand states, underscoring the event’s practical approach.
The workshops will feature real-life applications of robotics on farms, moving beyond theoretical discussions to showcase practical skills and knowledge. Farmers will have the opportunity to interact with three to four manufacturers, gaining first-hand experience in setting up and operating field robots. This hands-on engagement is designed to help demystify agricultural robotics, allowing farmers to see for themselves the simplicity of integrating these technologies into their operations.
In addition to the workshops, RobAgri, the association representing agricultural robotics in France, will host the ‘Grand Défi de la Robotique Agricole.’ This initiative invites French-speaking farmers to participate in workshops where they can exchange experiences and discuss their needs regarding ag robotics. Such interactions are invaluable, providing a platform for farmers to voice their opinions and learn from one another.
The event is not only about farmers; it also showcases the growing support of industry giants in the agricultural sector. Legrand expresses pride in attracting major tractor and machinery manufacturers as partners for World FIRA 2025. New Holland has signed on as a gold partner and will showcase its T4 FNV specialty tractors equipped with the award-winning Advanced Vision Assisted Guidance system. Kubota will introduce its Robotti field robot, while representatives from other leading companies like Case IH, Claas, John Deere, and Massey Ferguson will also be present.
Moreover, the event aims to cater to livestock and dairy farmers, with DeLaval demonstrating its DeLaval Plus platform, powered by DeepBlue AI, which can predict disease risks in livestock. Kuhn will showcase its Aura feeding robot through virtual demonstrations. This diverse representation of industry leaders underscores the event’s significance as a hub for innovation and collaboration in agricultural robotics.
As the agricultural sector grapples with challenges such as labor shortages and the need for efficiency, events like World FIRA 2025 offer a glimpse into the future of farming. By prioritizing farmers and fostering direct engagement with technology, the event not only aims to enhance understanding and adoption of ag robotics but also to shape the future of agriculture itself. With registration still open and free for farmers and students, the anticipation for this year’s event continues to build, promising a transformative experience for all participants.