INESC TEC Gears Up for World FIRA 2025

INESC TEC, a Portuguese private non-profit association dedicated to Research and Technological Development in Digital Technologies and Robotics, continues to advance science and technology by fostering innovation and transferring cutting-edge knowledge and technologies to industry, services, and public administration. As a leader in robotics and IoT, INESC TEC proudly showcases the expertise of TRIBE LAB, its specialized laboratory dedicated to developing tailored robotics and IoT solutions for smart precision agriculture and forestry. With a highly skilled team, TRIBE LAB has the capability to design and build agricultural robots and IoT systems from the ground up, fully customized to meet the unique needs and requirements of partners and clients.

Since the inception of FIRA, INESC TEC has been an active participant, and since 2021, it has consistently demonstrated its innovative robotics solutions at the exhibition and through live demonstrations. At this year’s edition, INESC TEC will introduce its latest technological advancements with three standout innovations:

• Modular-E: A versatile agricultural robot showcasing a new mowing tool designed for intra-row and inter-row weed management in steep slope vineyards.
• Modular-X: The latest addition to the portfolio, featuring a groundbreaking eucalyptus trimming solution tailored for forestry management.
• TL-HEART: A smart module that transforms any smartphone into an intuitive interface for robots, tractors, and implements by seamlessly connecting to CAN BUS systems (CANopen, J1939, or ISOBUS).

Both the Modular-E and Modular-X robots represent a significant leap forward in agricultural and forestry automation. Their modular designs allow for a broad range of tasks to be performed by simply swapping implements. Current functionalities include monitoring, spraying, mowing, and fertilization, with pruning and harvesting capabilities slated for release next year.

With technological readiness levels (TRL) ranging between TRL 7 and TRL 8, depending on the implement and operation, these solutions are now on the brink of commercial deployment. In 2025, INESC TEC plans to transfer this innovative technology to an industry partner, initiating the commercialization phase and bringing these cutting-edge solutions to market.

These advancements underscore INESC TEC’s unwavering commitment to delivering cost-effective, scalable, and impactful technologies to meet the evolving challenges of modern agriculture and forestry.

Join us at FIRA 2025 to witness these pioneering solutions in action and explore the future of smart precision agriculture and forestry!