EIT Manufacturing’s learning expedition sparks agro-robotics initiative

In late November 2023, EIT Manufacturing West hosted a transformative learning expedition in the Basque Country. This event marked a pivotal moment, bringing together Eric Pernot, Director of Aquitaine Robotics Cluster, and Itziar Cabanes, Professor at the University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU). This encounter catalysed the creation of AGROBOTICS-DITWINS, a groundbreaking collaborative project set to revolutionise agriculture through the integration of robotics, AI and digital twin technologies.

This collaboration began when the University of Malaga invited Cabanes to join an initiative in agriculture digitisation and robotisation. However, they lacked a key French partner. The learning expedition provided the ideal context for Cabanes to connect with Pernot, sparking a cross-border collaboration that ultimately united stakeholders from Spain, Portugal and France to tackle shared challenges in agriculture.

Bridging knowledge and innovation

Cabanes underlines the urgent need for technological solutions in agriculture, where labor shortages have become increasingly pressing. ‘Labor is increasingly difficult to find nowadays, and technology can help farmers with many arduous tasks’, she explains. From automated weeding and harvesting to early pest inspection and nutrient application, Cabanes believes advanced technologies can help farmers improve their crop yields, enhance produce quality and promote sustainability across environmental, economic and social dimensions.

She also underscores the pivotal role of universities, not only in this project but also in the agricultural sector, by training personnel, enabling technological reskilling and advancing cutting-edge research.

The impact of learning expeditions

The learning expedition proved instrumental in fostering collaboration, facilitating knowledge exchange and building new connections across sector. By engaging directly with manufacturing companies, RTOs and cutting-edge processes, participants gain invaluable in-depth insights into advanced manufacturing practices and technologies. These missions promote cross-cultural learning and idea exchange, driving the development of innovative solutions. Furthermore, the expeditions offer networking opportunities with key industry stakeholders, executives, engineers and innovators, such as the collaboration that led the AGROBOTICS-DITWINS project.

Eric Pernot at the Learning Expedition in November 2023, Miramar Palace, engaging with participants and local companies.

A model for cross-border collaboration

The collaboration between Aquitaine Robotics, EHU-UPV and the rest of partners involved in the project underscores the power of cross-border partnerships in addressing shared challenges. Pernot notes that French, Spanish and Portuguese farmers face similar issues. ‘Tackling these challenges with diverse perspectives will undoubtedly help us develop more relevant and impactful solutions’, he states.

By uniting experts from varied disciplines and regions, the project exemplifies how collaborative innovation can transform not only agriculture but also related industries across Europe. The project’s tailored solutions aim to help SMEs in southwestern Europe adopt ‘Agriculture 5.0’, empowering them with tools to enhance productivity and sustainability.

Next stop: Germany

Building on the success of the Basque Country expedition, EIT Manufacturing is preparing another edition for March 2025, this time to Bavaria, Germany. Known for its strong industrial base, Germany presents a unique opportunity to explore best practices. Pernot sees this as an essential chance to learn from the country’s global leadership in niche markets and the numerous initiatives driving the transition to ‘Factory 5.0’, with the aim of adapting those insights to the cluster.

Learning expeditions like these organised by EIT Manufacturing prove invaluable in creating opportunities for collaboration and enabling the exchange of ideas. They continue to pave the way for transformative projects that address pressing global challenges, ensuring that industries are equipped to face the future.