AgRimate is an innovative research initiative designed to enhance precision agriculture by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Robotics into pruning practices for high-value crops such as olive groves and vineyards. The project places a strong emphasis on human-centric digitisation, ensuring that technological advancements are seamlessly integrated into traditional farming practices to improve efficiency, sustainability, and worker well-being.
The core technological innovations are the AI-driven pruning decision support, augmented reality-based (AR) assistance and training, and robotic pruning solutions. AgRimate’s approach ensures seamless interaction between data collection, AI analysis and robotic execution. The drones and sensor networks collect environmental and worker movement data. AI algorithms analyse optimal pruning strategies based on expert knowledge and field conditions. Augmented reality and robotic systems translate AI insights into actionable guidance and automated execution. Then, continuous learning feedback loops refine decision-making based on real-time performance metrics.
Optimise pruning efficiency with AI-driven decision support
Employ exoskeleton technology to minimise physical exertion for workers
Offer real-time, augmented reality guidance for skill enhancement
Enhance workforce well-being and promote social sustainability in rural communities
Drive the implementation of precision agriculture technologies to align with EU sustainability objectives
This Work Package initiates with a collaborative effort, bringing together smallholder farmers, agricultural experts, and technologists. Through this engagement, AgRimate will gather comprehensive requirements based on real-world use cases. Subsequently, these identified needs and requirements will be meticulously transformed into detailed functional and operational specifications. Finally, the project will culminate in the development of robust technical specifications and the strategic selection of optimal implementation technologies.
Work Package 2 focuses on the development of AgRimate’s core technological components. This includes crafting intuitive user, communication, and decision-making interfaces, alongside designing a secure Tree Digital Passport repository for tracking tree history. Furthermore, the WP addresses on-site sustainability by designing infrastructure for field-deployed AR technology. To empower farmers, an AR Trainer solution will be developed, specifically designed to bridge physical, linguistic, and expertise gaps, while an AR Guide solution will enhance worker precision and efficiency in tree pruning.
Work Package 3 centers on the development of advanced robotic and assistive technologies for pruning. This includes the creation of a sophisticated robotic pruning platform, integrating mobile capabilities, manipulators, specialised end-effectors, and embedded sensors for autonomous operation. The system will be further enhanced by a user interface for monitoring and control, communication interfaces, and orchestration for task planning. Additionally, the WP focuses on developing core modules for automatic robot pruning, encompassing perception and motion planning. To support human workers, an assistive exoskeleton, complete with both hardware and software components, will be designed and built. Finally, to ensure accurate operation, the environment will be digitised using mobile sensors to precisely capture tree structures.
Work Package 4 focuses on developing advanced AI-driven tools to enhance agricultural practices and worker well-being. Firstly, an AI pruning tool will be created, learning from expert examples and synthetic data to determine optimal cutting points. Secondly, a Scenario Simulator will project production outcomes based on pruning techniques and assess sustainable management of pruning leftovers. Thirdly, a Skill Profiling Engine will evaluate workforce skills through learning curve analysis, delivering personalised training content. Finally, a Well-being Analytics Engine will monitor worker health in real-time, employing predictive modelling to anticipate and mitigate potential health risks.
Work Package 5 will begin by establishing a baseline assessment of the psychosocial working conditions and well-being of both native and immigrant farmers prior to AI integration. This will be followed by fostering community building through peer networks and social support platforms, including social media applications. Crucially, the WP will focus on identifying optimal task allocation between humans and AI, and designing user interfaces that preserve or enhance workers’ competence, autonomy, role perception, and safety. Furthermore, the project will investigate the impact of AI support on farmers’ situation awareness and cognitive processes related to information analysis and decision-making. Finally, WP5 will continuously monitor the use and acceptance of AI technologies, tracking any changes in psychosocial working conditions and well-being throughout and after AI implementation.
Work Package 6 is dedicated to the practical demonstration and evaluation of the AgRimate solution. This involves strategically organising farming demonstrations to achieve a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of at least 7, showcasing the solution’s applicability in real-world agricultural settings. Furthermore, the WP will extend demonstrations beyond agriculture, exhibiting AgRimate’s versatility within both construction and infrastructure services contexts. Finally, a thorough evaluation will be conducted to assess the impact of AgRimate across selected farming sectors following these demonstrations, providing crucial insights into its effectiveness.
Work Package 7 focuses on maximising AgRimate’s impact through strategic dissemination and exploitation. Initially, a unified consortium strategy will be established to disseminate project outcomes across Europe and globally. This will be followed by the execution of impactful activities to ensure broad reach. Furthermore, the WP will outline the regulatory and intellectual property rights landscape, while developing exploitation strategies. Simultaneously, globally scalable and environmentally sustainable growth strategies will be formulated. Finally, key stakeholders will be engaged, and third-party funds will be distributed through an open call methodology, ensuring wider participation and adoption of AgRimate’s innovations.
Work Package 8 will ensure the successful execution and overall management of the AgRimate project. This includes the effective management of the project consortium to deliver the targeted exploitation outcomes (TEOs) and achieve all project objectives. WP8 will oversee the technical progress of the project, ensuring that the technology reaches the required Technology Readiness Level (TRL). Finally, the work package will establish robust ethical, privacy, and data protection standards, ensuring that AgRimate’s solutions adhere to the highest regulatory and ethical guidelines.
