Recording from Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | AgriVoltaics Industry Forum Europe | Language: English | Duration: 19:34 .

Innovations in Robotics and Automation at Fraunhofer IGP

Kai Ponthoff from Fraunhofer IGP presented insights on automation and future work trends. Fraunhofer, a leading applied research institution in Europe, focuses on five global trends: AI, cobots, mobile systems, digital twins, and addressing human needs. In agriculture, automation is evolving with various robotics categories, enhancing efficiency and precision. A mobile service platform was developed for solar panel maintenance using an electric robot with AI capabilities. The future holds promises for humanoid robotics, with potential to handle diverse tasks, though challenges like safety standards and acceptance remain. Overall, robotic systems are essential for competitive production, with a strong indication that automation will increasingly dominate various sectors.

_{Automated summarization by AI Conver}

Speaker

Kai Ponthoff
Research Associate/Engineer
Fraunhofer IGP

Talk of session: Technology B: Robotics and Power Management in Farming

This session focuses on innovative approaches to energy management and automation in modern agricultural systems. Speakers will explore business models combining agrivoltaics and battery energy storage systems (BESS), as well as holistic energy planning strategies that help farms optimize energy production, consumption and resilience.

Practical insights will be provided through an integrated farm case study showcasing the combination of agrivoltaics, power management and robotics. The session will also examine the emerging role of humanoid robotics in agricultural operations and agrivoltaics environments. Together, the presentations will highlight how intelligent energy systems and advanced automation can enhance efficiency, flexibility and long-term sustainability in farming.

Further Talks of this session:

Holistics Energy Planning for Farms

Speaker

Oliver Hörnle
Lead of Agri-PV Working Group
Fraunhofer ISE

To Talk

Fermes Larrère: An Exemple of Integrated Power Management, Robotics and Agrivoltaics for Farming (Video not approved for publication)

Speaker

Julien Larrère
Ferme Larrère

Discussion with the Audience (Video not approved for publication)