The research will integrate a hardware and software platform in a single system and in an innovative approach that makes use of robotic systems. The use of robots to detect and collect data is novel in terms of methodology and application. On the method side, differently from other approaches, the system will be able to infer complex situations and behavioral patterns by merging the contribution of several simple sensors distributed in the environment and carried around by the robot. On the application perspective, context awareness through distributed sensors will allow to recall information about data collected by way of middleware distributed control system. ROBOFARM activities build on previous research. The FutureFarm project (FP7, Meeting the challenges of the farm of tomorrow by integrating Farm Management Information Systems to support real-time management decisions and compliance to standards) provided a comprehensive guideline for the design of any information and management system. The OMNIAFARM software platform provides a sound basis to create the Farm Management Information Systems integrating a DSS in irrigation, fertilization, treatments and in the correct use of regulations, and adhering to the FutureFarm guidelines. The Hortibot project (Danish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, 2005-2008, j. no. 3412-05-01241) and the API project (Danish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, 2001-2003, j. no. 93S-2466-Ã…00-01367) developed data collection methods allowing monitoring of crop growth status and mapping of weed species populations.

Project partners: Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna (IT), Harper Adams University College (UK), Centre for Research and Technology, Thessaly (GR), Ege University (TR), Adnan Menderes University (TR)