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FRUIT LOGISTICA 2026: Precision Horticulture in Focus at the FRUTIC Science Symposium
Innovations in robotics, crop imaging, postharvest technologies, and intelligent crop management will take center stage at this year’s FRUTIC Science Symposium, held on 6 February 2026 from 10:00 to 14:30 on the Farming Forward Stage during FRUIT LOGISTICA 2026. Organized in cooperation with the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), the symposium’s theme — “Science for Sustainable Fruit Production” — underscores the essential role of research in driving more sustainable fruit and vegetable production.
The event will gather leading global experts, researchers, and industry representatives, who will present the latest technological advancements shaping the future of precision horticulture. Four thematic sessions, pitch-style poster presentations, and dedicated networking time will create a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration between science and industry.
New Research Alliances and Tools for Advancing Fruit Production
Session 1 – Alliance for Fruit Growing, Viticulture and Vegetable Cultivation
Moderated by Manuela Zude-Sasse (ATB, Germany)
This opening session introduces new research alliances supporting innovation in fruit production. Henryk Flachowsky (JKI, Germany) will present sensor-based methods for monitoring flower bud development and drought tolerance. Frederik Kurz (Research Center Laimburg, Italy) will discuss AI-assisted pruning technologies, followed by Angelo Zanella (Research Center Laimburg) on controlled-atmosphere storage. Nico Tapia Zapata (ATB, Germany) will present insights into the temperature-driven shelf-life dynamics of tomatoes.
Hyperspectral Technologies and Fruit Quality Prediction
Session 2 – Hyperspectral Tools and Fruit Quality Prediction
Moderated by Reza Ehsani (University of California, Merced, USA)
This session focuses on spectral imaging and sensing solutions that optimize yield and quality. George Manganaris (Cyprus University of Technology) will explore how agrivoltaics and netting systems affect raspberry quality and productivity. Atsushi Hashimoto (Mie University, Japan) will present image-based citrus growth monitoring, Norhashila Hashim (Universiti Putra Malaysia) will highlight AI-integrated hyperspectral detection for mango disease prevention, and Jose Blasco (IVIA, Spain) will discuss hyperspectral prediction of loquat quality at harvest.
FruitCREWS: Smart Irrigation and Water Management
Session 3 – FruitCREWS: Smart Irrigation and Water Management
Moderated by Brunella Morandi (University of Bologna, Italy)
Expert speakers involved in the FruitCREWS COST Action will present advances in sensor-based irrigation systems and decision-support tools. Pasquale Losciale (University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Italy) will introduce tree water-status monitoring, Martin Mészáros (Holovousy, Czech Republic) will discuss irrigation scheduling in fruit crops, Kathy Steppe (Ghent University, Belgium) will present the use of plant modelling for sensor data interpretation, and Alon Ben-Gal (Volcani Institute, Israel) will showcase decision-support tools for precision irrigation.
Digitalization and Robotics for Postharvest Quality Optimization
Session 4 – Postharvest Technologies and Quality Optimization
Moderated by Helene Fotouo Makouate (ATB, Germany)
The final session highlights innovations that enhance postharvest quality. Reza Ehsani (University of California, Merced) will present an autonomous robotic platform for leaf-level sensing. Amnon Lichter (Volcani Institute, Israel) will introduce ethanol-based approaches to extend fruit storage life. Angelos Deltsidis (University of Georgia, USA) will discuss NIR spectroscopy for peach maturity classification, and Tuany Hoffmann (ATB, Germany) will present SensorTwin, a multi-parameter system designed to optimize cold-storage management.
Pitch Sessions – Global Innovation in Action
Complementing the oral sessions, pitch-style presentations will showcase applied research projects from around the world, spanning topics such as:
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cold-storage management (Kompetenzzentrum Obstbau Bodensee, Germany),
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tree architecture modelling (Plant & Food Research, New Zealand),
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automation of drip irrigation systems (Universiti Putra Malaysia),
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solar drying and ohmic heating technologies (Universiti Putra Malaysia),
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long-term chlorophyll fluorescence monitoring in apples (FRUIT-GUARD®, Germany),
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3D imaging for digital quality tracking (ATB, Germany),
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drone-based airflow analysis and variable-rate spraying (UPC, Spain; Shanghai Institute of Technology, China).
A Platform for Scientific and Industry Collaboration
By bringing together leading scientists, technology developers, and industry stakeholders, the FRUTIC Science Symposium at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2026 offers a unique platform for exchanging knowledge and building partnerships that will shape a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable fruit and vegetable sector.
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