Abstract
Viticulturists need to obtain the estimation of productivity map during the grape vine harvesting, to understand in detail the vineyard variability. An accurate productivity map will support the farmer to take more informed and accurate intervention in the vineyard in line with the precision viticulture concept. This work presents a novel solution to measure the productivity during vineyard harvesting operation realized by a grape harvesting machine. We propose 2D LIDAR sensor attached to low cost IoT module located inside the harvesting machine, to estimate the volume of grapes. Besides, it is proposed data methodology to process data collected and productivity map, considering GIS software, expecting to support the winemakers decisions. A PCD map is also used to validate the method developed by comparison. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2019.

Abstract
The coordination problem in multi-AGV systems can be approached as an optimization problem and aims to make possible the execution of several tasks simultaneously, avoiding collision and deadlock situations and reducing the average execution time. Time Enhanced A* (TEA*) is one of the path planning algorithms developed for this purpose. This paper focus on the implementation of the TEA* for real industrial applications. In that context, a new approach was developed to complement the TEA* with the capacity to approximate the planning of the future positions for differential robots with its real behaviour.

Abstract
The world society needs to produce more food with the highest quality standards to feed the world population with the same level of nutrition. Microfarms and local food production enable growing vegetables near the population and reducing the operational logistics costs related to post-harvest food handling. However, it isn't economical viable neither efficient to have one person devoted to these microfarms task. To overcome this issue, we propose an open-source robotic solution capable of performing multitasks in small polyculture farms. This robot is equipped with optical sensors, manipulators and other mechatronic technology to monitor and process both biotic and abiotic agronomic data. This information supports the consequent activation of manipulators that perform several agricultural tasks: crop and weed detection, sowing and watering. The development of the robot meets low-cost requirements so that it can be a putative commercial solution. This solution is designed to be relevant as a test platform to support the assembly of new sensors and further develop new cognitive solutions, to raise awareness on topics related to Precision Agriculture. We are looking for a rational use of resources and several other aspects of an evolved, economically efficient and ecologically sustainable agriculture.

Abstract
In 2023, global kiwifruit production reached over 4.4 million tonnes, highlighting the crop's significant economic importance. However, achieving high yields depends on adequate pollination. In Actinidia species, pollen is transferred by insects from male to female flowers on separate plants. Natural pollination faces increasing challenges due to the decline in pollinator populations and climate variability, driving the adoption of assisted pollination methods. This study examines the Portuguese kiwifruit sector, one of the world's top 12 producers, using a novel mixed-methods approach that integrates both qualitative and quantitative analyses to assess the feasibility of robotic pollination. The qualitative study identifies the benefits and challenges of current methods and explores how robotic pollination could address these challenges. The quantitative analysis explores the cost-effectiveness and practicality of implementing robotic pollination as a product and service. Findings indicate that most farmers use handheld pollination devices but face pollen wastage and application timing challenges. Economic analysis establishes a break-even point of €685 per hectare for an annual single application, with a first robotic pollination of €17 146 becoming cost-effective for orchards of at least 3.5 hectares and a second robotic solution of €34 293 becoming cost-effective for orchards up to 7 hectares. A robotic pollination service priced at €685 per hectare per application presents a low-risk and a viable alternative for growers. This study provides robust economic insights supporting the adoption of robotic pollination technologies. This study is crucial to make informed decisions to enhance kiwifruit production's productivity and sustainability through precise robotic-assisted pollination. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

Abstract
In nature, and particularly in agriculture, pollination is fundamental for the sustainability of our society. In this context, pollination is a vital process underlying crop yield quality and is responsible for the biodiversity and the standards of the flora. Bees play a crucial role in natural pollination; however, their populations are declining. Robots can help maintain pollination levels while humans work to recover bee populations. Swarm robotics approaches appear promising for robotic pollination. This paper proposes the cooperation between multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), leveraging the advantages of collaborative work for pollination, referred to as Pollinationbots. Pollinationbots is based in swarm behaviors and methodologies to implement more effective pollination strategies, ensuring efficient pollination across various scenarios. The paper presents the architecture of the Pollinationbots system, which was evaluated using the Webots simulator, focusing on path planning and follower behavior. Preliminary simulation results indicate that this is a viable solution for robotic pollination. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.

Abstract