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agriculture & robotics summit

The Create AgTech program brought together key leaders in the agricultural space and innovators in robotics and AI to discuss major industry problems and collaborate on solutions. The outcome of this two-day moderated and guided event was a series of “challenge” problems that scale from low-risk (the low-hanging fruit- to risk a pun) to high-risk and high-reward opportunities.

Overview

Globally, the AgTech sector is projected to substantially expand over the next 25 years, driven by the growing need for food production, climate change mitigation, and innovative technology adoption. This industrial sector is experiencing significant growth and high interest because, by 2050, the world has to increase food production by 80%, with 70% of that increase requiring i. Yields need to increase, environmental impact needs to decrease, and we are entering a transformative period in the history of agriculture. 
In the U.S. the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a rich and diverse agricultural heritage. It continues to integrate advanced technologies such as AI-driven crop management, Ag equipment businesses, precision farming, and sustainable practices. Pennsylvania has all of the elements to test new developments and deployments in agriculture thanks to our mixed climate, varying terrain, and broad scope of agriculture and downstream food-processing industries. 

The Agriculture & Robotics Summit

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The Agriculture & Robotics Summit is a three-day interdisciplinary series of workshops, panel discussions, robotics site tours, and networking opportunities that took place in Pittsburgh, PA on April 16-18, 2024. This invite-only Summit brought together agriculture and robotics industry professionals with the primary goal of solving agriculture business and operational challenges with robotics and AI-based solutions. The event builds on the success of a prior parallel event focused on aviation, held in April of 2023, leading to ongoing engagement by aviation firms with Pittsburgh robotics firms.

Addressing Critical Macro Trends in Agriculture

Labor augmentation in agriculture production

Refers to the increasing use of technology and automation to replace or supplement human labor in farming. This trend is driven by factors such as labor shortages, migration to urban centers, rising labor costs, the need for efficiency and productivity, precision agriculture technologies, mechanization, data-driven decision making, and a shift towards sustainable practices. The integration of automation, sensors, GPS systems, farm machinery, data analytics, and machine learning enables farmers to manage crops more effectively, reduce manual labor, and optimize resource utilization, and get more food produced by farmer/employee.

De-carbonization and resilience

The agriculture sector is increasingly focused on decarbonization and resilience to address environmental challenges and ensure long-term food production. Decarbonization involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions through practices like improved soil management, renewable energy adoption, and carbon sequestration techniques. Resilience efforts aim to make farming systems more adaptable to climate change impacts through strategies such as climate-resilient crops, efficient water management, crop diversity, and adaptive management practices.

Decentralization in agriculture

Represents a shift towards localized and community-driven approaches to farming and food production. It promotes local food systems, diversification of production, community-based agriculture, and the use of technology and innovation to enhance efficiency. Supported by policies that empower local governance, decentralized agriculture emphasizes resilience, sustainability, and cultural considerations. By prioritizing local autonomy and engagement, decentralization aims to address food security, climate change, and rural development challenges while fostering social cohesion and economic prosperity at the local level.

Population trends impact agriculture

By driving increased demand for food, changing dietary preferences, and influencing labor supply. As the global population grows, there is pressure to enhance agricultural productivity and efficiency to ensure food security. Urbanization reduces arable land, leading to land-use conflicts and loss of farmland. Demographic shifts and dietary changes affect agricultural production systems and resource allocation. Innovative approaches are needed to address population-driven challenges and ensure equitable access to food and agricultural resources.

Who should Attend?

Invitations are sent to senior executives from major OEMs, large food producers, existing AgTech robotics companies, and key individuals who have had a significant impact on the AgTech space.
In addition, new to the Create program, we will announce a “call for entrepreneurs” interested in AgTech. Please consider applying if you:
Have prior entrepreneurship experience
Are an existing senior leader in agriculture
Are employed at an equipment company that understands the problems the agricultural industry faces
A recent graduate of a university with an interest in robotics and ag-tech entrepreneurship

Proud Partners

Innovation Works is proud to launch the Robotics Factory with support from partners