Innovation in agriculture will take center stage at Macfrut 2026, the international fruit and vegetable supply chain exhibition, scheduled at the Rimini Expo Centre from Tuesday, April 21 to Thursday, April 23. The 43rd edition of the event will feature a dedicated area – the Innovation Arena (Hall D3) – hosting three major conferences on the agriculture of the future (if not already of the present), focused on the use of data through artificial intelligence, robotics, and drones in the field.
All scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, the events are organized by Macfrut, Politecnico di Torino, the University of Bologna, and the Emilia-Romagna Region, and will involve professors from the two universities, industry experts, and innovative companies.
Data and Artificial Intelligence: Strategic Tools in Fruit Growing
The first event (10:00 AM) will explain how data, artificial intelligence, and IoT (Internet of Things) – the network of objects equipped with sensors, software, and technologies that collect and exchange information via the web without human intervention – can be strategic in fruit growing, making it more efficient and profitable.
The seminar aims, on one hand, to provide an overview of the main innovations in data generation and management in agriculture, and on the other, to present practical field applications, the resulting benefits, and to identify future challenges.
Robotics for Agriculture
The second event (12:15 PM) will focus on the advantages of using robotics integrated with artificial intelligence, as well as the main applications in the agricultural sector, including examples of robots and autonomous systems already on the market or under development.
“AI is having an increasingly significant impact on agriculture, intertwining with other technologies to support (not replace) sector operators – explains Danilo Demarchi, Professor of IoT for Agriculture at Politecnico di Torino and coordinator of the first two events. – The first session will focus on how continuous data monitoring can ensure greater efficiency and improved production; the second on how robotics can assist farmers in various stages of their work.”
Drones for Precision Agriculture
The third event, at 4:30 PM on Wednesday, April 22, will focus on the use of drones in agriculture, particularly their application in monitoring plant health issues through integration with artificial intelligence, supporting decision-making, and protecting crops through the distribution of plant protection products.
“On this occasion – announces Stefano Boncompagni from the Plant Health Service of the Emilia-Romagna Region – the results of experimental drone trials conducted on onion, tomato, and grape crops will also be presented, addressing the needs of farmers in areas affected by flooding in Emilia-Romagna. The meeting will also include updates on the regulations that the Ministry of Agriculture will issue through an implementing decree.”
For more information, visit www.macfrut.com
