TeamM - Kobe University

08/08/2026

In our recent trial in the paddy fields, we collected high-precision 3D spatial and crop data using a backpack LiDAR system and various sensors.
While lab research forms the foundation, stepping out into real-world environments—where weather and field conditions constantly change—is essential for developing practical, robust smart agriculture solutions.
Despite the heat, our team worked together to capture high-quality field data.
We remain committed to driving innovation in agri-tech and contributing to the future of sustainable agriculture.

21/07/2026

My trip started in Brazil, where I attended the International Conference on Precision Agriculture. It was an extraordinary gathering of researchers and industry experts from around the world. From data-driven farming solutions to sustainable ag-tech innovations, the conference left me with countless fresh ideas and invaluable insights.
Following Brazil, I traveled to Canada for an enriching academic exchange at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI). Engaging in deep discussions with brilliant colleagues and exploring future research collaborations was both inspiring and deeply rewarding.
I’m returning home feeling energized, inspired, and deeply grateful for the wonderful people I met and the meaningful connections made along the way.
A heartfelt thank you to the conference organizers, my gracious hosts at UPEI, and everyone who made this journey so memorable! Looking forward to turning these new insights into impactful action.
Eiji

11/07/2026

Kicking off Day 3 in Brazil!
Yesterday was packed with inspiration and great encounters at the Digital Agriculture workshop in São Paulo.
Key Highlights:
Presentation: Had the opportunity to share my insights with a fantastic audience.
Inspiration: Gained incredible perspectives from John Deere, local AgTech startups, and a fellow researcher from Mozambique (who graduated from a Japanese university!).
Field Visit: Stepped out into the sugarcane fields and got into the driver’s seat of a harvester—the scale of Brazilian agriculture is unmatched!
There is simply no substitute for being out in the field. Experiencing the reality on the ground always guides the direction of future research.
A huge thank you to everyone I met yesterday for the warm welcome and inspiring conversations! 🙏

-U

02/07/2026

As we dive into Day 3 of the event, the lineup looks incredibly promising. Huge thanks for keeping us updated with the schedule!

Staying ahead in the digital space requires continuous learning, and sessions like these offer the exact insights we need to navigate today's fast-paced environment. I'm particularly looking forward to learning more about the latest shifts in the industry in Piracicaba, SP, Brazil.

What sessions are you most excited about today? Let's discuss in the comments! 👇

15/06/2026

Climate volatility and unpredictable weather patterns are presenting unprecedented challenges to food production worldwide. One critical risk during the harvest season is crop lodging which drastically reduces harvesting efficiency and degrades crop quality.
To combat this, the industry is shifting from traditional intuition-based farming to data-driven Smart AgriculturePrecision
By leveraging ICT for advanced crop cultivation control,we can now:
Monitor growth conditions in real-time via satellite and drone data.
Optimize fertilizer application dynamically through AI algorithms.
Strengthen crop stalks from the roots up to achieve effective lodging prevention. This is no longer just about addressing labor shortages; it is about building climate-resilient agricultural ecosystems.
As shown in this photo, seeing a combine harvester confidently navigating a muddy, challenging field is a powerful reminder of how technology ensures a reliable harvest, no matter the conditions.
Let's continue accelerating AgriTech to empower growers and secure global food supply chains.

09/06/2026

09/06/2026

We recently held a BBQ on campus to celebrate two major milestones in our smart agriculture laboratory!
First, a big congratulations to our second-year Master’s (M2) students for successfully wrapping up their mid-term research presentations. Transitioning "farmers' tacit knowledge" and expertise into data-driven, precision solutions requires an immense amount of dedication, and their progress is truly inspiring.
At the same time, we gathered to cheer on our undergraduate students as they intensely prepare for their graduate school entrance examinations. The energy, focus, and camaraderie they are showing right now is fantastic to see.
Balancing cutting-edge research in agricultural robotics, IoT, and AI with rigorous academic preparation is no small feat. It was wonderful to step away from the lab for an evening, enjoy some great food, and recharge together as a team.
Looking forward to seeing what this talented group achieves next! 🚀

24/05/2026

It was an absolute pleasure to welcome back our former lab secretaries who stopped by to visit the Smart Agriculture Lab recently! Current students and graduates also gathered to catch up, sharing fond memories from the past and exciting updates on our current journeys. I feel incredibly fortunate to lead a lab where such strong bonds continue to thrive long after people move on to new chapters.
A huge thank you to our wonderful former staff who built the foundation of our lab's success. Reenergized by this wonderful reunion, we are more motivated than ever to push forward with our research and drive innovation in precision agriculture!

16/05/2026

This year marks a significant milestone—10 years since this smart transplanter first hit the market.This system represents a decade of continuous evolution based on real-world field feedback and dedication to research and development.
Our mission goes beyond simple mechanization. We aim to digitize the "craftsmanship" (tacit knowledge) of veteran farmers, ensuring it is passed down to the next generation while making Japanese agriculture sustainable in the face of a shrinking labor force.
To achieve this, the smart transplanter is equipped with key cutting-edge technologies:
Auto-Steering Assist:Enables any operator to plant seedlings with perfect precision and straight lines, drastically reducing fatigue and training time.
On-Board Soil Sensors:Real-time sensing of soil conditions (such as fertility and moisture levels) directly from the field during operation.
Precision Agriculture:By instantly analyzing the sensor data, the machine can dynamically optimize fertilizer application and planting density on the fly.
This transplanter is not just a farm machine; it functions as a "mobile sensor network" that visualizes field variability. By accumulating and analyzing real-time data across this vast 150-hectare area, we are advancing the practical application of true data-driven agriculture.
We will continue to empower rice farming—the cornerstone of Japan’s food supply—through the power of data and technology. Stay tuned for more updates from our ongoing field trials!

09/05/2026

Exciting news from the field! 🌱
We have officially commenced a new smart agriculture trial in our rice paddies 2026. In collaboration with partners, we're leveraging advanced technology to enhance farming efficiency and sustainability.
This trial focuses on:
🚜 *Data-Driven Farming: Using sensor data to improve soil management and resource use.
By combining traditional farming practices with modern technology, we aim to overcome challenges such as labor shortages and climate change, paving the way for the future of agriculture in Japan.
Stay tuned for updates on our progress and results!