TeamM - Kobe University

09/06/2026

09/06/2026

We recently held a BBQ on campus to celebrate two major milestones in our smart agriculture laboratory!
First, a big congratulations to our second-year Master’s (M2) students for successfully wrapping up their mid-term research presentations. Transitioning "farmers' tacit knowledge" and expertise into data-driven, precision solutions requires an immense amount of dedication, and their progress is truly inspiring.
At the same time, we gathered to cheer on our undergraduate students as they intensely prepare for their graduate school entrance examinations. The energy, focus, and camaraderie they are showing right now is fantastic to see.
Balancing cutting-edge research in agricultural robotics, IoT, and AI with rigorous academic preparation is no small feat. It was wonderful to step away from the lab for an evening, enjoy some great food, and recharge together as a team.
Looking forward to seeing what this talented group achieves next! 🚀

24/05/2026

It was an absolute pleasure to welcome back our former lab secretaries who stopped by to visit the Smart Agriculture Lab recently! Current students and graduates also gathered to catch up, sharing fond memories from the past and exciting updates on our current journeys. I feel incredibly fortunate to lead a lab where such strong bonds continue to thrive long after people move on to new chapters.
A huge thank you to our wonderful former staff who built the foundation of our lab's success. Reenergized by this wonderful reunion, we are more motivated than ever to push forward with our research and drive innovation in precision agriculture!

16/05/2026

This year marks a significant milestone—10 years since this smart transplanter first hit the market.This system represents a decade of continuous evolution based on real-world field feedback and dedication to research and development.
Our mission goes beyond simple mechanization. We aim to digitize the "craftsmanship" (tacit knowledge) of veteran farmers, ensuring it is passed down to the next generation while making Japanese agriculture sustainable in the face of a shrinking labor force.
To achieve this, the smart transplanter is equipped with key cutting-edge technologies:
Auto-Steering Assist:Enables any operator to plant seedlings with perfect precision and straight lines, drastically reducing fatigue and training time.
On-Board Soil Sensors:Real-time sensing of soil conditions (such as fertility and moisture levels) directly from the field during operation.
Precision Agriculture:By instantly analyzing the sensor data, the machine can dynamically optimize fertilizer application and planting density on the fly.
This transplanter is not just a farm machine; it functions as a "mobile sensor network" that visualizes field variability. By accumulating and analyzing real-time data across this vast 150-hectare area, we are advancing the practical application of true data-driven agriculture.
We will continue to empower rice farming—the cornerstone of Japan’s food supply—through the power of data and technology. Stay tuned for more updates from our ongoing field trials!

09/05/2026

Exciting news from the field! 🌱
We have officially commenced a new smart agriculture trial in our rice paddies 2026. In collaboration with partners, we're leveraging advanced technology to enhance farming efficiency and sustainability.
This trial focuses on:
🚜 *Data-Driven Farming: Using sensor data to improve soil management and resource use.
By combining traditional farming practices with modern technology, we aim to overcome challenges such as labor shortages and climate change, paving the way for the future of agriculture in Japan.
Stay tuned for updates on our progress and results!

18/04/2026

Bridging Tradition and Technology: The Art of the Japanese Pear.
As the pear season starts, I am reflecting on a decade of joint research with Topcon Positioning Systems . Japanese pear cultivation is unique—it requires a "bonsai-like" dedication to detail, especially in the art of branch-shaping.
To prevent these master skills from being lost, we are leveraging IoT to quantify and inherit this craftsmanship. 10 years in, our commitment to supporting farmers through robust research remains stronger than ever.

08/04/2026

New Academic Year Kick-off!

I am pleased to announce that our laboratory lineup for the new academic year is now officially set.

With this dedicated team, we are ready to dive deep into our research projects and push our boundaries. This core group will be leading our efforts at full throttle until we welcome the new third-year students this July.

I’m looking forward to a highly productive season in the lab and the field!

03/04/2026

Japanese strawberry “Ichigo” is more than Strawberry 😆 We are currently recording the meticulous growth stages of strawberries using our cutting edge monitoring system, TUBAME.
Our goal is to bridge the gap between traditional wisdom and modern technology. By visualizing the expertise of master farmers, we are creating a more transparent and sustainable agricultural infrastructure.
Stay tuned as we continue to digitize the field! 🍓🚀