Sep 10, 2024

2,500 growers and tech leaders to meet at FIRA USA ag robotics show

The third edition FIRA USA’s ag robotics show will be in northern California this fall.

The Oct. 22-24 event, to be in Woodland, California, west of the Sacramento airport, is set to bring 2,500 growers and tech leaders to hear the latest on ag robotics and ag automation. The event will showcase new robotics solutions and is set to be a promising edition, according to a news release.

An extended demonstration area and roundtables will address specific industry needs for automation, autonomous irrigation and perennial crops as well as special happenings and other events.

Notably, this year’s edition of the show, co organized by GOFAR association, Western Growers and the University of California-Davis, will be free for growers.

Managed by Western Growers and UC, in-field demos will be set up at the Yolo County Fairgrounds with the support of Taylor Farms, Bullseye Farms, Valley Tractor, Keithly-Williams Seeds and Westlake Pipe.

Attendees will have the unique opportunity to watch robots and autonomous solutions working in real operation, while challenging manufacturers and users.

“From planting to harvesting, weeding, yield management, irrigation… FIRA USA 2024 will provide growers experiences with dedicated content, qualified solutions in exhibition and live demos,” according to the release.

FIRA USA will also be the playground for drones, through a Drone Pavilion.

“FIRA USA has proven to be a must-attend event for all those involved in automation and agricultural robotics, with a rich exhibition area and numerous panel discussions and pitches,” according to the release.

Some of the show’s highlights include:

• An Oct. 17 to 21 pre-event Ag Robotics Market Tour scheduled to visit 10 farms using automation in Northern California.
• The Oct. 22 Open Innovation Day will highlight the latest research projects, lunch and learn with posters presentations.
• A New Holland pavilion will highlight its latest ag robotics partners.
• Commodity board roundtables will address specific industry automation needs, including nuts, vegetables, fruits and vineyards.

“FIRA USA has a strong expertise in bringing the most knowledgeable speakers on stage to share their insights as users, discuss how the industry can accelerate its growth, provides an overview of the current state of research, and address issues related to regulations and safety,” according to the release.

The International Forum of Agricultural Robotics or FIRA is a part of the France-based GOFAR non-profit organization that promotes and develops the agricultural robotics sector at international level.