AI Real Laboratory Agriculture: Revolution for agriculture in Osnabrück!

AI Real Laboratory Agriculture: Revolution for agriculture in Osnabrück!

On October 17, 2025, the AI ​​Real Laboratory for Agriculture (RLA) was inaugurated at the University of Osnabrück. This innovative project aims to make agriculture more productive, sustainable and cost-effective through the use of artificial intelligence (AI). The Volkswagen Foundation is supporting this initiative with 18.9 million euros as part of the future.lower-saxony strategy.

The leading institution in this groundbreaking project is the University of Osnabrück, which works in collaboration with seven other partners, including the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) and the Technical University of Braunschweig (TUBS). The aim of the RLA is to develop interdisciplinary approaches to tackling key challenges in agriculture - especially in view of climate change, rising production costs and an acute shortage of skilled workers.

FieldLab Agrar: Test field for new technologies

A central element of the AI ​​real laboratory is the planned agricultural test farm, the “FieldLab Agrar”, in the Osnabrück region. Partially automated machines are to be tested here and existing agricultural equipment is to be upgraded with retrofit solutions instead of purchasing new technology. This strategy aims to demonstrate the practical applicability of AI-supported technologies. Close cooperation with companies, vocational schools and educational institutions is also planned.

In order to realize these plans, IT experts, agricultural scientists, technicians and lawyers are currently being hired. The latter play a key role, as the development of the legal framework for the use of AI and robotics in agriculture is a central concern of the project. By 2030, the aim is to provide concrete impetus for a sustainable digital agricultural economy that can serve as a model for other regions.

Technological integration in agriculture

Artificial intelligence is used in various areas of agriculture, from fertilization to crop protection to animal husbandry. AI systems help optimize decisions and analyze data efficiently. These technologies improve resource utilization, increase yields and promote sustainability. Sensors and cameras play a crucial role by collecting data that is processed for AI-powered decisions.

Nevertheless, farmers face technical challenges. Lack of internet coverage in rural areas, unclear data protection regulations and compatibility problems between different systems are just some of the hurdles that need to be overcome. There is also a need for continuous training for operations managers in order to cope with new technologies.

In summary, it can be said that the AI ​​agricultural real laboratory at the University of Osnabrück is a significant step towards a transformed agricultural economy. It combines innovative research with practical applications that are intended not only to increase efficiency but also to ensure the future competitiveness of the sector. The project represents the possibilities offered by the use of artificial intelligence in agriculture and could lead to far-reaching changes in the industry.