News on Drones and Agricultural Sensors

Digitalization, precision machinery, and AI are reshaping potato production. The article highlights advances in planting, crop care, harvesting, storage, and optical sorting that improve efficiency, quality, and labor productivity.

Researchers from the University of Tokyo and Kubota developed a drone- and AI-based system to predict potato yields before harvest. Using drone imagery, machine learning, and growth modeling, it enables accurate, non-destructive yield forecasting.

Picketa Systems, a Canadian agtech startup, raised an oversubscribed USD 2.1M round led by Tall Grass Ventures to expand its real-time crop nutrient platform (LENS) across North America, helping farmers optimize fertilizer use amid rising prices.

El futuro del campo español depende de una transformación estructural basada en relevo generacional, tecnificación, sostenibilidad, inversión productiva, formación especializada e infraestructuras que permitan convertir al agro en un sector competitivo, innovador y rentable.

AIVA launches to help Canadian farmers adopt proven agtech through real-world testing on farms nationwide. Backed by FCC, EMILI and WHIN, the network connects farmers and innovators to validate tools that boost efficiency and productivity.

Alimentado con energía solar y equipado con sensores y aprendizaje automático, el robot es capaz de monitorear cultivos de papa y apoyar la agricultura de precisión.

Fruit Logistica 2026 (4–6 Feb, Berlin) brings the global fresh fruit industry together with six expert stages, 200 speakers and multilingual talks, covering markets, farming, technology, logistics and future innovation.

Beirut Erbil Company adopts Hydrosat’s satellite-based platform to monitor farmers’ fields, optimize irrigation and fertilization, boost potato quality, and support sustainable agriculture through data-driven, efficient crop management in Iraq.

FRUIT LOGISTICA 2026 (4–6 Feb, Berlin) gathers the global fresh produce industry for innovation, networking, and market insights. With 2,500+ exhibitors, expert forums, tech showcases, and the 20th Innovation Award, it drives the future of fresh produce.

xFarm Technologies, a Swiss digital agriculture specialist, will participate in Agritechnica 2025 in Hanover (Nov 9–15). At stand D32, Hall 21, the company will showcase new digital, AI-driven and IoT solutions for smarter, sustainable farming.

Intrac Geosystems enhances farming with ISOBUS planting systems and electric drones for spraying, seeding, and fertilizing. The solutions improve efficiency, cut costs, and support crops like potatoes, even in adverse conditions like those in Galicia

Join the James Hutton Institute's webinar on May 30, International Day of Potato, to explore UK potato production challenges and innovations in breeding, sustainability, AI tools, and pest control. Hosted by NPIC and Professor Ingo Hein.

En España, ante la imposibilidad de entrar al campo con maquinaria por suelos anegados, el gobierno permitió excepcionalmente tratamientos aéreos sobre cultivos de patata en tres municipios de Sevilla.

On April 11, 45 potato growers and industry stakeholders gathered near Pemberton for a high-tech field event coordinated by PotatoLink and the Potato Growers Association of WA.

Potato growers now have a more reliable overview of their spray maps for fungicide, fertilizers and product growth regulators – even when conventional satellite images fail due to cloud cover.

Case IH will be the exclusive tractor sponsor at PotatoEurope 2025 on 3-4 September in Lelystad. With 17 years of partnership, it remains a key player in the potato sector. This year, the focus will be on live demos and FieldOps™ telematics solutions.

Friehe Farms in Washington’s Upper Columbia River Basin combines teamwork and advanced technology to produce high-quality russet potatoes. Drones, GPS-guided planting, and climate-controlled storage enhance efficiency, while traditional four-year crop rotation helps maintain soil health.

Vultus, in collaboration with Lyckeby and Hushållningssällskapet, has developed a satellite image analysis algorithm for precision fertilization in potato farming, demonstrating superior accuracy in predicting leaf nitrogen content in Swedish field trials.