World Fira 2021 to explore role of ag robots in the future

How will automation impact the world’s farming systems in the future? This question will be addressed at the FIRA 2021 roundtable discussion, “Automation and the new ways of organizing agricultural work worldwide.”

In this panel discussion, experts from the United States, Asia, New Zealand and South America will share their knowledge and experiences on how farming systems in these parts of the world stand to change in conjunction with robotic advancements. Organiser Gofar (Global Organization for Agricultural Robotics) says those who attend the panel discussion ‘will gain an insider’s perspective on how agriculture systems are organized around the globe and how that organization is likely to change in unique ways over time’.

Who will operate ag robots?

Pierre Compere, business development manager for Agri Sud-Ouest Innovation, will serve as moderator. “We’ll talk about plot and farm sizes, family farms vs. agri-firms, labor delegation services, investment capacity and more,” Compere says. “In a nutshell, the discussion will be about who is and will operate ag robots, as we are not sure that everyone shares the same definition for ‘farmer’. Some experts are imaging farming systems without farmers or at least not the same farmers we’ve known.”

In addition to sharing their visions of robotics and autonomous systems, the panelists will provide perspective on how automation should be adapted, developed and utilised in their regions of expertise.

The roundtable discussion (Tuesday, December 7, 2021, from 9-10:15 am) will be a part of the World FIRA 2021 event that runs from December 7-9, 2021.