University of Parma inaugurates automated Living Lab for digital agriculture

The University of Parma has inaugurated the ‘Living Lab’, a highly automated research greenhouse located at its Science and Technology Campus. Developed through the AgriTech project, this infrastructure is designed to advance research in digital and sustainable agriculture.

The facility features an advanced digital phenotyping system, utilizing 3D and multispectral imaging technologies. This allows researchers to automatically and non-destructively monitor plant growth, architecture, and physiological states with high precision. By collecting large volumes of quantitative data, the lab enables the study of plant responses to various experimental treatments, abiotic stresses, and resource efficiency.

The project involved collaboration between several university departments, including the Department of Food and Drug Sciences and the Department of Engineering and Architecture. The acquisition of the specialized phenotyping equipment was supported by PNC funding and coordinated by research groups such as CroPS Research Group and IoT Lab.