Agrifood robotics and automation are rapidly moving from pilot projects into real-world use. Technologies such as autonomous machinery, precision agritech and AI-driven operations are beginning to reshape how food is produced, managed and delivered. While automation is already well established in areas like food processing and distribution, its role in primary production is still developing, raising important questions around cost, impact and long-term viability.
For growers, one of the key concerns is how to invest with confidence in a fast-moving technological landscape. As innovation cycles shorten, the risk of becoming locked into systems that may soon be outdated is very real. Farmers are increasingly weighing not just the immediate efficiency gains of robotics and automation, but also their flexibility, upgrade potential and compatibility with future developments.
Another major challenge is identifying the right approach to accelerate adoption across the agrifood sector. Different risk-sharing mechanisms, business models and financing structures are being explored to reduce barriers to entry and make advanced technologies more accessible. Collaboration between technology developers, growers, agribusiness and financial partners is seen as essential to ensure that automation solutions are both practical and economically sustainable.
These issues will be explored in depth during a dedicated session on agrifood robotics and automation. The program will open with a keynote address by Erik Pekkeriet, Program Manager of Vision and Robotics at Wageningen University & Research, who will share insights on the current state and future direction of these technologies. This will be followed by an expert panel discussion bringing together perspectives from leading research institutions, industry associations, technology developers, agribusiness and finance. Panel participants include representatives from AgreenCulture, Smart Farm Robotix and The European Agricultural Machinery Association, offering a broad view on how automation can be effectively integrated into primary production.
Interested attendees can register for the event by clicking the link here. The event will take place on 11 February 2026, on Zoom from 14:00–15:00 CET.
For more information:
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
fao.org/
