IROS 2025

Bridging Human Expertise and Robotics: How Can AI and Soft Robotics Revolutionize Agriculture?

Room 210A, Hangzhou International Expo Center (HIEC), Hangzhou, China

October 20, 2025 (Half-day workshop: 8:30 am - 12:30 pm)

Workshop Objectives:

Agriculture faces substantial challenges in sustainably meeting the food demands of an expanding global population. Factors such as shrinking arable land, climate change, diminishing labor availability, and rising concerns over environmental impacts exacerbate these challenges. This workshop, titled "Bridging Human Expertise and Technology: Revolutionizing Agriculture through AI and Soft Robotics," addresses how advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and soft robotics can provide transformative solutions for modern agriculture.

Our workshop aims to bridge the existing gap between robotics research, practical industry needs, economic considerations, and direct agricultural applications. We will focus on two primary themes: 1) AI-enhanced robotic systems and soft robotics for precision agriculture, and 2) multidisciplinary collaboration involving roboticists, agricultural industry experts, economists, and end-users such as crop scientists and farmers. The event will introduce innovative concepts in robust perception, adaptive planning, and responsive control systems specifically tailored to navigate the high variability characteristic of agricultural environments.

The workshop will emphasize technical advancements and practical deployment strategies through interactive discussions, invited expert talks, and collaborative activities. It will uniquely facilitate direct dialogue between technology developers and end-users, highlighting user-centric design and adoption considerations. By fostering these interactions, we aim to accelerate the integration and acceptance of advanced AI and soft robotic technologies into agricultural practices. This workshop aligns with IROS 2025's commitment to showcasing innovative robotic applications that address critical global challenges.