Breda Robotics and Brabant.AI would like to invite you to a joint working session on 16 December from 13:30 to 17:00. With a group of AI experts, exploring how we can take steps together to advance robotics (in this case for the AgroFood sector). Robotics companies are currently facing barriers that are hindering new collaborative projects, which is a great pity.
If the work session (exploration) results in the definition of a collaborative project, then there are a number of potential funding opportunities for obtaining partial grants to carry out the project.
For this project, we aim to welcome the following (combination of) expertise(s):
- Computer vision (images in variable outdoor conditions)
- Federated learning
- Annotation & (semi-)automatic labelling
- Experts in data governance, IP and collaborative innovation models
- Smart farming or precision agriculture
- Other areas of expertise that you think are needed for this work session/case (such as MLOps; Edge AI; embedded ML on robots; data-sharing frameworks, etc.)
Do you think this is a great case and do you have expertise in this area? Then sign up for the session. Do you know someone who could contribute well to this case? Please forward this invitation.
Why this meeting?
The use of AI in the open cultivation of crops such as potatoes, sugar beet, onions, etc., must help scale up and accelerate robotisation (in the AgroFood sector), according to the province of North Brabant. One of the biggest challenges includes the quality, variety, and interchangeability of image data for crop and weed recognition. This is a major impediment to the development of reliable, widely applicable recognition models.
That is why we are starting a first project phase in which we pursue two objectives:
An image transformation forms the basis for exploring the possibilities of joint image use
In this phase, we are investigating whether and how images captured with different cameras, from different angles, under different lighting conditions, etc., can be transformed using AI in a way that adds value, is technically feasible and fits within the objective of sharing images that form the basis for a robust dataset for the development and further training of AI models. This could help improve the competitive position of companies in the Netherlands and Brabant.
2. A tangible outcome of collaboration for the entire AI Makers Community
The development of a practical framework and approach on how this can actually be achieved in collaboration with various parties, whilst ensuring that individuals retain ownership of their data but can still collaborate both between companies and with farmers, supply chain partners in the agricultural sector and research institutions. An outcome that delivers added value for the AI developers’ community in Brabant.
This first phase allows for a limited level of commitment and costs for participating AI companies. A larger budget is available for the follow-up project.
What is the session about?
During the meeting, we will explain the case:
How can we develop a reliable AI and image database for classifying images of crops and weeds, despite significant variations in conditions, differences in camera systems and lighting, so that models can be trained more effectively?
Within the framework of image transformation, we are asking AI experts from the community to contribute their thoughts on:
- The technical complexity and requirements;
- The feasibility of image transformation and the value for the robot builder in sharing images.;
- Potential building blocks for development within a shared image platform in the next phase.
Why participate?
- You are being given early access to a larger innovation programme that will be launched in early 2026.
- You can directly influence the content and structure of the follow-up project.
- You are helping to build solutions that are relevant to the entire market for agrobots and AI acceleration for open cultivation applications.
- You’ll be working alongside robot builders, experts from the agri-food sector and other AI developers in a field with significant social and commercial impact.
Log in
Sign up using the button at the top of this page. Spaces are limited, so don't wait too long!
Contact
If you have any questions about the content, technical details or background of the case study, please contact:
Robbert Veraart, 0653885796, robbert@breda-robotics.nl
For questions about the workshop, the next steps, obligations, financial conditions, and how you can get involved in any follow-up activities, etc.
Ruud van Iwaarden, 06-11954098, r.vaniwaarden@brainportdevelopment.nl
We do, of course, hope that you’ll attend the workshop, as that’s exactly where all sorts of questions will be addressed and where there’ll be an opportunity to discuss them with your peers.
