The Growers Experience

AI is everywhere, but what does it actually mean for your farm today? This session is designed for growers who want to understand where AI can deliver real, practical value. From decision-support tools and automation to data use and integration with existing equipment, we’ll explore practical entry points based on real farming operations. What should you invest in first? What data do you need? What are the risks and limitations? A grounded discussion to help you build a clear, realistic first AI strategy for your business.

Bringing a robot onto a farm is not just a plug-and-play decision. This workshop focuses on what actually happens once the machine arrives: setup, field adaptation, team onboarding, and day-to-day use. What changes in the workflow? How much time does it take to get fully operational? What are the common pitfalls during the first season? Through real-world end users feedback, this session will help farmers to anticipate the practical steps and adjustments required to successfully integrate robotics into your farm operations.

A robot is not a one-time purchase, it’s a system that needs to be maintained, updated, and supported over time. This workshop explores what happens after deployment: maintenance routines, software updates, breakdowns, spare parts, and the level of support you can realistically expect. Who do you call when something goes wrong? How fast can issues be resolved? And what skills do you need in-house? A practical look at the full lifecycle of a farm robot to help you avoid costly surprises.

Investing in a farm robot raises key financial and risk management questions. This workshop breaks down how to approach the purchase: comparing offers, understanding total cost of ownership, and identifying the right financing options. What business models exist (purchase, lease, service-based)? How do you evaluate return on investment? What about insurance and liability? With concrete insights, this session will give the tools to make informed, secure decisions when investing in robotics.

This open barcamp is designed as a hands-on working space where growers, solution builders, equipment manufacturers, and AgTech startups come together to actively shape the next generation of agricultural tools. Moving beyond traditional feedback sessions, participants will collaborate on real-world use cases, challenge current approaches, refine existing concepts, and explore new directions grounded in field realities.
Each discussion table will focus on a key stage of the crop cycle, enabling targeted exchanges and practical problem-solving:

Land Preparation & Soil Management (incl. tillage)
Planting / Seeding / Establishment
Irrigation & Water Management
Nutrient Management (incl. fertigation)
Crop Protection (pest, disease & weed management)
Canopy & Crop Management (pruning, thinning, training, crop load management)
Scouting, Monitoring & Sensing
Yield Management & Forecasting
Harvest
Post-Harvest (handling, sorting, storage)

By fostering direct dialogue between end-users and innovators, this session aims to accelerate the development of solutions that are not only technologically advanced, but also practical, scalable, and aligned with growers’ needs. Participants will leave with actionable insights, new connections, and a clearer vision of where innovation should focus next.