Catalogue of Services

Support clients in defining metrics and testing their AI solutions in real life, in the field, or virtually. Within normal and "stressed" operating conditions, including AI-generated test cases, we assess the readiness of agriculture-related AI algorithms for classification (weeds, chromatic analysis of crops), surround understanding and perception capabilities (for safety, for navigation), yield measurement (quantity of produce, quality), and robotics (anomaly detection, etc.). Besides accuracy metrics, we have experience evaluating memory and computing power footprints, and by doing so, understanding bottlenecks and improving the energy efficiency of proposed solutions.

Performance evaluation

Test execution

National Institute for Research in Digital Science and Technology  (INRIA)

Assessment of AI and robotic solutions for testing

Josephinum Research (JR)

RISE - Research Institutes of Sweden

This service includes all essential actions to gather knowledge, design, and document the client’s needs regarding Testing and Experimentation Facility (TEF) services. Through close collaboration with the client, we ensure that all technical, operational, and methodological aspects are clearly outlined, forming a solid foundation for future testing phases. By conducting these preparatory activities, we deliver a comprehensive setup analysis that serves as the entry point for subsequent testing and validation services and provision of datasets. This ensures that testing can be carried out efficiently, aligning with the client’s specific requirements while leveraging TEF’s expertise and infrastructure. Ultimately, this service streamlines the testing process, reduces uncertainties, and enhances the overall efficiency of AI and robotic solution validation.

Assessment of AI performance and software optimisation on edge computing devices

The tests in this service are aimed at products that run complex apps (based on a multitude of microservices, including heavy AI algorithms) in the fields, with limited to no connectivity to the cloud. In these cases, we propose a benchmarking designed to understand what the bottlenecks are in the implemented solution architecture to help TEF customers improve the efficiency and reliability of such products/solutions. The service may also encompass virtual facility elements (enriched datasets, virtual machines hosting containerised modules) blended with physical sensors and infrastructure in our test field or directly installed at the client's premises if need be for the duration of the experimentation.

Collection of test data

Performance evaluation

Test execution

Data Collection using UGVs and modular sensor payloads

This service consists of deploying a modular sensor payload (equipped with Lidar, inertial motion units, GNSS, Radar, stereo cameras, and ultra-wideband technology) to agricultural environments such as vineyards and orchards to collect and annotate high-fidelity datasets tailored to customer needs. Data are systematically labelled and can be delivered to agrifoodTEF customers as structured datasets for AI-driven agricultural solutions.

Collection of test data

Desk assessment of the proposed solution

This service consists of a detailed analysis of the customer's system, software, or AI solution. It is a preliminary step for testing and validation services, providing important information on the solution and leading the following activities. As a consequence, the detailed mapping of the solution can help the customer understand bottlenecks and better prepare the solution for testing and validation activities.

Lukasiewicz Poznanski Instytut Technologiczny (L-PIT)

Providing demonstration testing on the test field of robotic or AI-driven solutions

Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center (PSNC)

Wielkopolska Agricultural Advisory Center in Poznań (WODR)

As part of the service, a testbed will be provided for product demonstration of robotic machines along with AI systems. The polygon will be configured and prepared to meet the customer's individual needs in terms of field operations, technological processes, and communication. The service provider will provide polygons with a variety of surfaces according to the customer's specifications, e.g., meadow, ploughed field. The service will include soil moisture control, continuous monitoring of the field, and all activities carried out on it. The service providers will provide the necessary assistance and infrastructure needed to support the fieldwork carried out by the surveyed sites. The service may also involve demonstration of AI systems used in apiaries.

People training

Performance evaluation

Test execution

Provision of datasets

FBK is developing its own datasets based on its experience in the robotics and agricultural sector. These datasets can be used for training and testing of the solution proposed by the customer. Different kinds of datasets can be provided (raw, unprocessed, or processed data) according to the customer's specific needs. This service is often an essential first step for the validation process of a new product.

National Institute for Research in Digital Science and Technology  (INRIA)

Provision of general-purpose datasets via a multisensory aerial robot.

We provide general-purpose datasets that can be used by customers to evaluate mobility algorithms and to develop and assess general-purpose AI applications. In the context of mobility algorithms, this pertains to classical robotics tasks such as mapping, localisation, and SLAM (Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping). Meanwhile, general-purpose AI applications focus on advancing algorithms and feeding decision support systems (DSS) for tasks including, but not limited to, weed detection, health monitoring, growth and maturity assessment, and yield estimation in areas such as arable farming, horticulture, food processing, forestry, and tree management. A significant challenge in developing AI solutions for agricultural robotics lies in the dynamic nature of agricultural environments, which fluctuate with different seasons and weather conditions. To address this, acquiring consistent and periodic data is essential for effectively monitoring these changes. This real-time data collection, often facilitated by aerial robots, is crucial for developing efficient algorithms and AI solutions. Such datasets can support customers in the development of sensor-specific techniques or be leveraged to create multisensory algorithms, enabling more accurate and adaptable systems for agricultural applications.

Data augmentation

National Institute for Research in Digital Science and Technology  (INRIA)

Provision of general-purpose datasets with user-specified sensor(s)

General-purpose datasets serve two primary objectives: (i) evaluating mobility algorithms and (ii) developing and assessing general-purpose AI applications. In the context of mobility algorithms, this includes classical robotics tasks such as mapping, localisation, SLAM (Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping), and navigation. Meanwhile, general-purpose AI applications focus on advancing algorithms and supporting decision support systems (DSS) for tasks such as, but not limited to, weed detection, health monitoring, growth and maturity assessment, and yield estimation in areas like arable farming, horticulture, food processing, forestry, and tree management. A significant challenge in developing AI solutions for agricultural robotics lies in the dynamic nature of agricultural environments, which fluctuate with different seasons and weather conditions. To address this, acquiring consistent and periodic data is essential for effectively monitoring these changes. This real-time data collection, often facilitated by aerial and/or ground robots equipped with user-specified sensors, is crucial for developing efficient algorithms and AI solutions. Such datasets can support the development of sensor-specific techniques or be leveraged to create multisensory algorithms, enabling more accurate and adaptable systems for agricultural applications.

Data augmentation

National Institute for Research in Digital Science and Technology  (INRIA)

Provision of general-purpose datasets via multisensory ground robot

General-purpose datasets serve two primary objectives: (i) evaluating mobility algorithms and (ii) developing and assessing general-purpose AI applications. In the context of mobility algorithms, this pertains to classical robotics tasks such as mapping, localisation, SLAM (Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping), and navigation. Meanwhile, general-purpose AI applications focus on advancing algorithms and feeding decision support systems (DSS) for tasks such as, but not limited to, weed detection, health monitoring, growth and maturity assessment, and yield estimation in areas like arable farming, horticulture, food processing, forestry, and tree management. A significant challenge in developing AI solutions for agricultural robotics lies in the dynamic nature of agricultural environments, which fluctuate with different seasons and weather conditions. To address this, acquiring consistent and periodic data is essential for monitoring these changes effectively. This real-time data collection, often facilitated by ground robots, is crucial for developing efficient algorithms and AI solutions. Such datasets can support the development of sensor-specific techniques or be leveraged to create multisensory algorithms, enabling more accurate and adaptable systems for agricultural applications.

Data augmentation

Setup for AI solution testing

Digital testing of an AI solution often requires action to obtain the proper configuration. This service contains all the required actions necessary to configure, integrate and execute the client AI solution with FBK test environment. Carrying out these preliminary activities, FBK will be able to have a working setup that will be the entry point for subsequent testing and validation services.