Artificial Intelligence – Europe is lagging behind the US and China

One of the most prominent topics at the EIMA International 2024 conference, which was covered by AgroPages in Italy, was a glimpse into the state of the art of applying artificial intelligence (AI) to agriculture. 

According to data revealed at the event, investments are increasing significantly, but Europe is lagging behind the US and China.

Marko Bertogna, Full Professor of Physical, Computer, and Mathematical Sciences at Unimore, pointed out that Europe is behind: ″It is never too late to invest, and there are still opportunities for expansion. But it is worth remembering that the top ten companies in terms of investment in this high-tech sector are all American or Chinese″. 

Bertogna emphasized that there are several mature products in the agricultural mechanization sector, for example on the autonomous driving front.

"With artificial intelligence, you can't wait and see what happens. We need to be active because we are facing a revolution similar to the one that occurred with the advent of the Internet," said Giampaolo Barbieri, CEO of Barbieri and member of the Presidential Council of FederUnacoma (National Federation of Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers).

Barbieri used these words to describe the advent of artificial intelligence scope in all sectors, including agriculture. He did so at Eima International at the meeting entitled ″AI: the prospects of industry,″ which was attended by representatives of Cema (The European Committee of Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers), the University of Modena, and Reggio Emilia and manufacturing giants such as John Deere and CNH.

The progress of artificial intelligence is remarkable, and its applications in agriculture are now multiple. In the field, visual recognition makes it possible to identify phytopathological problems or irrigation deficiencies and act promptly.

Several startups presented their solutions for identifying pests and diseases at EIMA 2024. Many of the artificial intelligence technologies currently available already include tools that calculate the dose and indicate the exact locations to apply agrochemicals or biological inputs.

Other AI solutions presented during the fair held in the Italian city of Bologna monitor, measure, and evaluate soil quality before planting. Based on this information, the startups' systems make recommendations to rebalance the components, nourish the plants, or even naturally stimulate two defenses against pests and diseases.

It was mentioned during the meeting that harvesting operations can be automated through robots equipped with artificial intelligence. Even further downstream in the production process, AI can be used for selection in the fruit and vegetable sector and to optimize packaging processes.

For Barbieri, artificial intelligence is not an exclusive tool of industrial giants but an extraordinary opportunity also for small and medium-sized businesses: "A recent study on these types of companies has shown that those who are using AI in their company have more than doubled their chances of creating income and growing compared to companies that have decided not to enter this market." 

This is thanks to increased efficiency, remarked the FederUnacoma councilor, decision support systems, and improved productivity. "Artificial intelligence represents a real 'booster' for business and us manufacturers," Barbieri said in conclusion, 

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)