The SQAT project recently took part in the EU CAP Network seminar on Robotics and Artificial Intelligence in farming and forestry, where our partner Tamme van der Wal presented SQAT’s approach to smart soil mapping. This event brought together key stakeholders to discuss the role of robotics and AI in shaping the future of agriculture and forestry.
Engaging discussions and insights
As part of the interactive poster session, SQAT attracted significant interest from participants. The discussion focused on:
✅ Autonomy of the robot – Questions revolved around how long the robot can operate in the field and how many hectares it can cover.
✅ Soil properties – Interest ranged from measuring soil biome, nutrient levels, carbon stocks, and bulk density to understanding how SQAT’s technology improves real-time soil analysis.
✅ Forestry applications – Several participants inquired whether SQAT’s approach could support reforestation efforts.
✅ Real-time results – Many emphasized the need for faster soil analysis, as current lab-based testing often leads to delays. The ability to generate near real-time insights with SQAT’s technology was seen as a major advantage.
Key takeaways from the event
🔹 Bridging the gap between farmers and tech developers – The event highlighted the need for a stronger dialogue between technology providers and farmers to ensure solutions are demand-driven rather than solely technology-driven.
🔹 Soil health is a priority – Soil was a central topic in keynotes and discussions, reinforcing the relevance of SQAT in advancing high-resolution soil mapping and real-time insights.
🔹 A strong network – The event brought together a diverse group of scientists, policymakers, and industry professionals, opening up valuable opportunities for collaboration.
Stay tuned for more updates on our journey toward smarter, more sustainable soil management! 🚜🌍
