#DigiAgriFood, the first European Digital Innovation Hub in the Hellenic Agri-food sector, made a significant impact at the 1st International Scientific Conference on Electronics for Agriculture (IEEE Conference on Agrifood Electronics – CAFE) held at Politecnico di Torino, Italy, from September 25 to 27, 2023. This prestigious event was characterized by the convergence of research and technological progress, setting a new benchmark for future collaborations in the agri-food sector.
The conference: A synthesis of innovation and expertise
The CAFE conference presented an impressive spectrum of interdisciplinary research reflecting the innovative spirit prevailing in electronic systems for agri-food. Key topics included advancements in:
- plant monitoring,
- crop analysis,
- insect detection using artificial intelligence,
- pollution monitoring in agriculture,
- livestock management,
- precision farming,
- sensor technologies, and
- Internet of Things (IoT) applications for smart and sustainable food production.
Participation and Presentation of #DigiAgriFood
Representing the technical team of #DigiAgriFood, Karolos-Alexandros Tsakalos presented the research paper entitled “Comparative Study of Traps with Cameras and Sensors for Insect Monitoring.” With the financial support of #DigiAgriFood, this research highlighted the effectiveness of traps based on cameras and sensors in insect monitoring, a critical aspect of sustainable agriculture. This innovative study underscores real-world implications for enhancing crop protection and production, contributing to resource optimization, and environmental protection in the face of climate change.
Industry Forum IAFE: Bridging Industry and Innovation
Running concurrently with the CAFE conference, the Industry Forum IAFE (Industry for AgriFood Electronics) provided a platform for industry experts to discuss the development and implementation of electronics in the agri-food sector. The discussions covered a wide range of topics, including electronic and digital transformation in the agri-food sector, applications of artificial intelligence, agricultural robots with sensor solutions and IoT, and energy-efficient solutions in electronic agri-food systems.
Significant discussions took place with representatives from various countries, including:
- Italy (Aizoon, G. Magnano, Olivair, CNH Industrial, STMicroelectronics, Ribes Tech Srl, Hortobot Srl)
- Chile (Synopsys)
- Greece (Centaur)
- Cyprus (eBos Technologies)
- France (STMicroelectronics)
- USA (BECS Technology Inc.)
- Israel (TODOS-Technologies.com)
- Switzerland (Vivent SA)
- Norway (Zimmer & Peacock)
- Uruguay (BQN)
These interactions were pivotal for establishing new collaborations and reinforcing the commitment of #DigiAgriFood to stay abreast of the latest developments in agri-food technology.
Announcement for IEEE CAFE 2024
In a notable development, Professor and Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Democritus University of Thrace, Georgios Syrakoulis, has successfully secured the agreement of the Organizing Committee to host IEEE CAFE 2024 in Xanthi. This decision serves as evidence of the vibrant agri-food ecosystem in the region, highlighting Greece’s commitment to technological innovation and the agri-food sector. The selection of Xanthi as the next venue underscores the growing reputation of the city as a technological hub and its dedication to advancing the agri-food industry.
#DigiAgriFood: Leading the Transformation
The participation of #DigiAgriFood in the IEEE CAFE 2023 conference and the Industry Forum IAFE transcended the scope of merely presenting research findings. It served as evidence of the crucial role of the project in the digital and green transformation of the European agri-food sector, aligning with Europe’s broader goals for sustainable and green development. The knowledge shared by Karolos-Alexandros Tsakalos and his team, along with insights gained from industry experts, exemplify the innovative spirit driving this transformation. The upcoming IEEE CAFE 2024 in Xanthi is expected to further advance this legacy, promoting collaboration and innovation in the field of agri-food electronics.
