Movable

ILVO's TEF Mobile Containers are fully operational, secure, and moveable charging hubs for agricultural robots. These containers, which are standard 20 ft sea containers, facilitate easy transportation of robots. The TEF Containers provide a flexible and convenient solution for charging and storing agricultural robots near fields or other off-site locations. Energy is supplied off-grid through 6 Denim Solar Panels, but the DC-coupled inverter charger also allows for connection to the grid or a generator.

The ILVO Hyperspectral Technology Facility enables advanced applications in agri-food processing, such as quality control, defect detection, grading, and sorting of (raw) products. By comparing spectral and spatial data to reference measurements, we build chemometric models capable of estimating product parameters in real time. The facility hosts a range of hyperspectral and multispectral devices, including spectrometers with customisable probes, hyperspectral cameras, and FTNIRS systems suited for both solid and liquid samples.

The experimental plots to study machine-soil interaction offer advanced tools to study machine-soil interactions. The MONROE system measures the efficiency of agricultural tires and machines, assessing traction and soil compaction under various conditions, including tire type, pressure, and soil characteristics. It uses constant torque and traction force methods alongside additional measurements of effort, torque, angular velocity, and actual speed. The SoilXplorer tool provides electromagnetic response maps of soil, based on texture and moisture levels.

It excels in soil and crop characterisation through advanced 3D mapping and field scanning techniques. The lab employs a variety of sensors and imaging tools to assess vegetation health and soil conditions, enabling precise measurements of geometric and structural parameters. Key features include remote sensing drones for aerial imaging, precision phytosanitary applicators, and variable-rate sprayers designed to optimise fertiliser and pesticide application.

This facility is a movable laboratory specifically designed to meet the requirements for providing Agrifood-TEF services. The Mobile Living Laboratory (MLL) is equipped with essential infrastructure such as power generators, ground (AGR) and aerial (UAV) robots, computing units, and a robust communication system supporting LAN, WiFi, and 4G/5G connectivity. It is tailored for testing, monitoring, and experimental activities and also includes basic living and working amenities to support up to three engineers during field operations.

Bridge sprinkler with a working width of 250 m equipped with a VRI system, e.g., a system of variable irrigation doses. Independent control of each of the 63 sprinklers. The sprinkler can irrigate an area of ​​up to 20 hectares at once. The water dose is controlled manually, but it is possible to retrofit it with an automatic system based on, e.g., satellite data or a weather station system.

The irrigation facility located at the "Rabanales Experimental Farm" boasts unique features that make it especially suitable for testing or validating various agri-food products or services. It stands out in Europe for incorporating vision and artificial intelligence into its system for variable irrigation and input distribution. The field's irrigation installations or equipment comprise a pivot and a linear, forward-moving system.