Supporting our orchards with innovation and automation

CONFERENCE PROGRAM

Friday, February 14, 2025
at Unitec S.p.A.
via Provinciale Cotignola 20/9 – Lugo (RA)

8:30 AM Registration

Introduction: Luca Corelli Grappadelli (University of Bologna)

SESSION I – TECHNOLOGY FOR ORCHARDS

9:00 AM – 9:20 AM Sensor technology in orchards, which one and how to use it – Damiano Zanotelli (University of Bolzano)

9:20 AM – 9:40 AM Platforms for automated orchard cultivation – Dario Mengoli (University of Bologna/Field Robotics)

9:40 AM – 10:00 AM How to link pre and post-harvest phases to maximize quality – Angelo Benedetti (Unitec)

10:00 AM – 10:20 AM The digital company – Matteo Golfarelli (University of Bologna)

10:20 AM – 10:40 AM IThe orchard digital twin – Lorenzo Marconi (University of Bologna)

SESSION II – INNOVATION: WHICH ONE AND HOW TO IMPLEMENT IT?

10:40 AM – 11:00 AM Innovations’ validation and economic selection – Davide Viaggi (University of Bologna)

11:00 AM – 11:20 AM Lido, a practical application of innovation in horticulture – Walter Guerra (Laimburg Research Center)

11:20 AM – 11:40 AM The agronomist of the future: the need for a new generation of professionals – Mirko Piani (University of Bologna)

PANEL DISCUSSION (11:40 AM – 1:00 PM)

Moderator: Giulio Demetrio Perulli (University of Bologna)

• Patrizia Alberti (Emilia-Romagna Region)
• Luca Lovatti (Melinda)
• Giorgini Silver (Orogel)
• Angelo Benedetti (Unitec)
• Michele Gerin (Mazzoni Group)
• Maurizio Bottura (FEM)

CONCLUSIONS (1:00 PM)

Luca Corelli Grappadelli (University of Bologna)

The conference will showcase some of the most advanced technologies for Precision Fruit Growing, following a progression from sensors to autonomous platforms for cultivation and data collection, through company’s digitalization, and ultimately to the creation of digital twins of orchards, where production responses can be simulated based on changes in cultivation practices. However, the development of innovative technologies does not necessarily mean they are easy—or even feasible—to adopt in practice. In this specific context, several factors, ranging from the company’s size to the lack of targeted training, can significantly hinder the introduction of cultivation methods that promise to improve yields, reduce costs, and support the continuation of a primary production activity that has long contributed to the prosperity and landscape of our country.

The morning session will conclude with a panel discussion, where different stakeholders across the supply chain will share their perspectives, expectations, and the challenges they face. A static exhibition of selected technological solutions will also be on display, and a light lunch will be offered to participants at the end of the event.