The University of Coimbra (UC) hosted the second edition of the Europe–China Agricultural Robotics Forum (ECARF 2026) on 25 September. The event brought together around 100 experts, researchers, technology companies, agricultural producers and public officials from Europe and China to discuss the application of robotics in agriculture.

Following its inaugural edition in Wuxi, China, in 2025, the forum was held in Europe for the first time. It was co-organised by UC and the Chinese institute NICECART (NICE Centre for Agricultural Robotics and Technology) under the theme “Bridging Innovation and Adoption of Agricultural Robotics”. Sessions covered autonomous systems, intelligent perception, robotic navigation, artificial intelligence and technology transfer.

Participants discussed how automation could help address labour shortages and improve the productivity and sustainability of farms. Companies and producers already using these technologies shared practical experience. The programme also included a demonstration of agricultural robots at UC.

Three co-operation agreements were scheduled to be signed. Two were planned between UC and NICECART: one to establish a global talent training programme and another to develop a research project on probabilistic perception applied to agricultural robotics. The third, between British company Antobot and Spanish company New Growing System, was to cover the commercialisation of agricultural robotics solutions.

(Source: Voz do Campo, 24 September)