A look to the future: the power of combining advanced engineering with plant science
Come and join us for Christmas lecture - families and youngsters welcome
About
Will engineers be the farmers of the future? No more mud, spades or bad weather?
Robots, working autonomously in greenhouses, identify exactly where pesticides need to be applied rather than spraying everywhere. Tools like this have the potential to reduce chemical use by 90%, hence saving money and reducing the risk of contamination of the crops and pollution. Other robots select only the strawberries that are ready to harvest.
Crops grown in trays stacked vertically, in climate controlled environments are becoming a reality – these vertical farms could revolutionise farming. The plants are cultivated without soil - water, pesticides and fertiliser use is minimised. This approach reduces land use markedly and could help feed the world’s increasing population – the same area of land produces 20-30 times the amount of food. Yes, energy is required but demonstrations show that facilities like these can be located alongside renewable energy plants.
The speakers will talk about the technology behind such developments and indicate where engineers are becoming an essential part of the workforce in agriculture and horticulture.
Note there will be Christmas nibble and refreshments after the talk.
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Continuing Professional Development
This event can contribute towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours as part of the IET's CPD monitoring scheme.
02 Dec 2024
7:30pm - 9:30pm
Organiser
- Hereford and Worcester Local Network
Registration information
Please register to attend
Speakers
Alicia Feledziak
Business Development Manager for Warwick Agri-tech - University of Warwick
Business Development Manager for Warwick Agri-tech at the University of Warwick (UoW). Integrated Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering with industrial experience in Manufacturing Technology Development, NDT, Factory of the Future Technologies and Continuous Improvement across both Maritime and Aerospace. Since working at WMG, University of Warwick, Alicia has supported the development of several teams including the Electrochemical Materials Group, the Forensic Analysis Lab, the Automation Systems Group and the Data and Communications Group. In 2023, Alicia worked alongside the technical team to spearhead the development of a new UoW sector, creating a new cross department entity Warwick Agri-tech, by combining the Advanced Engineering capabilities of WMG with the Plant Science of the School of Life Sciences. Through this entity, the UoW is able to de risk and accelerate innovation for the agricultural sector, supporting the future of farming.
Emilio Loo Monardez
Principal Engineer - Lead of AgriTech Developments at WMG
Principal Engineer – Lead of AgriTech Developments at WMG. Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering. More than 15 years of experience with 5 years in the automation and robotics industry. Experience in Systems and Industrial Engineering, Automation and Robotics, Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement. In August 2022 he led the creation of AgriTech WMG and in December 2023 contribute to launch of Warwick AgriTech at the University of Warwick as a joint entity with the Faculty of Life Sciences. He has actively collaborated across the UK with businesses, technology developers and organizations to support the sector and continue to work on projects to support the UK with innovative and affordable ideas to support farmers and sustainable food production. Its main objective is to contribute and support sustainable food system and the stability of the planet.
Reasons to attend
Learn about how technology may help revolutionise agriculture
Programme
19:00 doors open
19:30 lecture starts
20:30 Christmas nibbles and refreshments
21:30 expected finish