The Southeast Asian Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), in collaboration with the Central Luzon State University (CLSU), spearheaded a three-day Introductory Training on Agri-Robotics at Tarlac Agricultural University's Farmer's Training Center (TAU-FTC) on 2–4 December 2024. The training aimed to inspire students and faculty to leverage technology in advancing agriculture in the Philippines.
The event brought together Information and Technology (IT) and Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE) students, as well as TAU faculty members. The participants were warmly welcomed by Dr. Silverio Ramon Salunson, President of TAU, who emphasized the critical role of technology in modernizing agriculture. He mentioned his vision for TAU to be known as a smart agriculture university. Ms. Darlyn Angeles, Program Specialist from SEARCA's Emerging Innovation for Growth Department (EIGD), provided an overview of the Agri-Robotics Education for Young Learners project, implemented in partnership with CLSU.
SEARCA was represented by Ms. Angeles and Mr. Richard Angelo A. Natata, Program Associate, both from the EIGD. Their contributions were instrumental in ensuring the program's success.
The training offered a combination of engaging lectures and hands-on activities designed to enhance participants' knowledge and skills in robotics for agriculture. On the first day, attendees were introduced to the fundamentals of robotics, its applications in agricultural settings, and the use of various sensors. The session concluded with an interactive activity where participants constructed robots using the VEX IQ robotics kit, promoting practical learning and teamwork.
Day two centered on signal processing and coding, providing participants a deeper understanding of these essential concepts through hands-on exercises that reinforced their learning.
The final day featured an exciting competition, where participants applied their newly acquired skills to design, build, and program prototypes of fruit-picking robots. The challenge was to build a fruit picker robot that would follow a line, identify the correct color representing ripe and unripe fruits, and put it in the specified area for each selection. Three teams emerged victorious, showcasing their exceptional creativity and learning throughout the training.
Feedback from students and faculty highlighted their enthusiasm for similar future programs. Many participants expressed their interest in furthering their knowledge in agri-technology to address pressing agricultural challenges. In his closing remarks, Dr. Ruben Parazo, Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology, shared that they are procuring robotics kits, computer sets, and a 3D printer, drawing inspiration from SEARCA's initiative to advance agriculture through cutting-edge technologies like robotics. This forward-thinking effort underscores their strong commitment to fostering student engagement in the agri-technology sector, paving the way for a new generation of innovators in agricultural science and technology.
