Automated distribution of biostimulants in vineyards: ecorobotics and agronomic research within Spoke 3
In the summer of 2025, a vineyard field trial was carried out as part of the PNRR RAISE project, with the aim of integrating autonomous robotics solutions, IoT sensor technologies, and agronomic research for precision viticulture.
The autonomous rover MOLIRIS, developed by Info Solution and made available free of charge for this agronomic experimentation, operated fully autonomously between the vine rows, distributing an innovative biostimulant in a controlled manner.
The biostimulant was developed by the Mycology Laboratory of the University of Genoa from microorganisms isolated directly from vineyard soil, with the goal of promoting plant growth and increasing resilience to pathogens and the effects of climate change. The final product has zero biological impact. The use of native microorganisms provides a natural and sustainable means of stimulating crop growth. The high microbial concentration, combined with a tailored production process, ensures maximum effectiveness for the target area.
Alongside this activity, the Multimedia Networks Laboratory of the DITEN Department at the University of Genoa designed and installed a network of sensor nodes based on the Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm, capable of monitoring environmental parameters and the chemical–physical properties of the soil in real time. The collected data provide essential support for evaluating treatment effectiveness and for correlating pedoclimatic conditions with the effects of biostimulants on grapevines.
Thanks to the autonomous navigation system developed by Info Solution, the MOLIRIS rover demonstrated its ability to operate safely between vine rows, ensuring targeted and repeatable application of the treatment.
The combination of advanced robotics, biotechnologies, and environmental sensing represents a multidisciplinary approach aligned with the mission of Spoke 3, which focuses on ecorobotics and sustainable agriculture solutions.
This experimentation represents a concrete step toward Viticulture 4.0 through ecorobotics, capable of integrating innovative technologies to improve productivity, quality, and sustainability.
Special thanks go to the Durin winery, which hosted the trial in its vineyards and made these activities possible.
Cover image
Author (video frame): Marco Penco (Info Solution, Spoke 3)
Credits: UniGe and RAISE
