Agenda
May 5, 2026:
University Research-Focused and Industry Demonstrations Day
This day will spotlight cutting-edge research from universities regarding robotics and/or AI for specialty crops, providing a platform for faculty and students to share their work.
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. On-site Registration
8:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. Opening Remarks: Dr. Luan Oliveira – Assistant Professor and Precision Ag Extension Specialist, University of Georgia (and Guests)
8:15 a.m. Opening Keynote: Dr. Steve Thomson – “Smart Agriculture and AI: Observations on what is working and notes on technology adoption”– Program Area Leader
9:00 a.m. Sessions: The latest studies in precision and digital agriculture, AI applications, and robotics for specialty crops will be highlighted.
- 9:00 – 9:40 a.m. Dr. Stanley Culpepper – “Integrated Sustainable Weed Management Programs: Challenges and Prospects” – Professor, University of Georgia
- 9:40 – 10:20 a.m. Dr. Lynn Sosnoskie – “Smart Sprayers, Lasers and AI: The New Weed Toolbox” – Assistant Professor, Cornell University
- 10:20 – 10:50 a.m. Networking Break and Vendor Interaction
- 10:50 – 11:30 a.m. Dr. Stavros Vougioukas – “Addressing Key Limitations in Fruit-Harvesting Robotics” – Professor, University of California
- 11:30 – 12:10 p.m. Walt Duflock – “The AgTech Value for Specialty Crop Production” – Western Growers Association
12:10 p.m. Panel Discussion – “Turning University Research into On-farm Impact”
Panel Lead: Dr. Luan Oliveira – Assistant Professor, University of Georgia
- Chris Butts – Executive Vice President, Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association
- Austin Hamilton – Director of Ag, Southern Valley
- Dr. Lynn Sosnoskie – Assistant Professor, Cornell University
- Dr. Stavros Vougioukas – Professor, University of California
12:30 p.m. Lunch, Industry Booths and Networking
1:30 p.m. Live Demos: On-site demos of field technologies. Each technology will be presented by the company within a determined time range. Groups will follow a line through all the stops. Each technology will have a planted field to showcase its capabilities (i.e., weeding, spraying, transplanting, etc.).
4:30 p.m. Robotics and AI in Specialty Crops Poster Session and Networking: Graduate students will present their research on specialty crops and technologies. A networking session will happen at the same time.
6:30 p.m. Day 1 Adjourn
May 6, 2026:
Industry-Focused and Demonstrations Day
This day will shift towards practical industry solutions, with live demonstrations and industry-led discussions.
8:00 a.m. Industry Keynote: Jason P. H. Brantley – “Unlocking Value for Customers in High Value Crop Production Systems” – Vice President of Production Systems (Small Ag and Turf), John Deere
9:00 a.m. Industry Presentations: Industry-focused presentations to talk about their specific technologies on the market and show results for specific specialty crops.
- 9:00-9:10 – Institute for Integrative Precision Agriculture
- 9:10-9:20 – Grand Farm
- 9:20-9:40 – Solinftec
- 9:40-10:00 – John Deere/GUSS
- 10:00-10:10 – Agripass
- 10:10-10:20 – Niqo Robotics
- 10:20-10:50 – Networking Break and Vendor Interaction
- 10:50-11:00 – Burro
- 11:00-11:10 – Ecorobotix
- 11:10-11:20 – Verdant Robotics
- 11:20-11:30 – Carbon Robotics
- 11:30-11:40 – Skysense
- 11:40-11:45 – Metos USA
- 11:45-11:50 – Hiphen
- 11:50-11:55 – Goanna Ag
- 11:55-12:00 – NextGA
12:00 p.m. Panel Discussion – “From Innovation to Implementation”
Panel Lead: Tony Llano – Director of Industry Partnerships, University of Georgia
- Walt Duflock – Vice-president of Innovation, Western Growers Association
- Aries Haygood – Owner, A&M Farms
- Guilherme Guine – COO, Solinftec
- Sean Sundberg – Business Integration Manager, John Deere
12:30 p.m. Lunch, Industry Booths and Networking
1:30 p.m. Live Demos: On-site demos of field technologies. Each technology will be presented by the company. Groups will follow a line. Each technology will have a planted field to showcase its capabilities (i.e., weeding, spraying, transplanting, etc.).
4:50 p.m. Closing Remarks: Dr. Luan Oliveira – “Industry, Growers, and Academia Collaborations: Benefits for the Society” – Assistant Professor and Precision Ag Extension Specialist, University of Georgia
5:00 p.m. Adjourn