Testing and evaluation of innovative drone technologies in regulatory sandboxes

Evaluation of drone-based innovative technologies within controlled sandbox environments, focusing on performance, safety, and compliance under realistic agricultural conditions.

Interested in this service? Contact us at agrifoodtef@ilvo.vlaanderen.be

Overview

AgrifoodTEF provides access to realistic test environments where innovative drone technologies can be evaluated under controlled yet practical conditions. This includes technical validation of AI systems, embedded sensors, software, and robotic controls used during operations. The tests are adapted to the specific objectives and constraints of a regulatory sandbox, helping companies explore system performance, robustness, and safety in a near-to-real-world configuration. The feedback and technical documentation generated during testing can be used to refine the product and support regulatory approval, certification, and future market deployment.

More about the service

Regulatory sandboxes are particularly appropriate in situations where traditional regulatory frameworks fall short due to novelty, complexity, or uncertainty. Specifically, sandboxes are used to:
• Test your drone technology in realistic field conditions without the full burden of commercial deployment.
• Identify technical limitations or safety issues before scaling up.
• Collect performance data to support certification, investor outreach, or internal R&D.
• Get documented insights to inform improvements and future compliance processes.

The service is performed within the regulatory sandbox. Depending on the complexity of the setup, tests may include multiple repetitions or different operational conditions (e.g., weather, crop types, spray dosage).

Customers receive a performance report, structured data logs, and optional video documentation. The customer must provide a functioning drone, a use case description, and any relevant technical parameters or compliance requirements.

The evaluation can be tailored to focus on different drone aspects such as AI-based navigation, target detection, spray pattern accuracy, payload integration, or autonomy under stress conditions. Test protocols can be co-designed with the customer to meet internal KPIs or match external certification demands.
Location
Belgium
Type of Sector
Arable farming
Greenhouse
Horticulture
Livestock farming
Tree Crops
Viticulture
Type of service
AI model training
Collection of test data
Conformity assessment
Data analysis
Desk assessment
Performance evaluation
Provision of datasets
Test design
Test execution
Test setup
Accepted type of products
Data
Design / Documentation
Physical system
Software or AI model