Agricultural robotics has moved beyond proving that machines can work in perfect conditions. Farmers now want to know whether the technology can work reliably in real field conditions, fit into their existing operations, reduce labor needs, and deliver a measurable return on investment.
In this episode of North American Ag Spotlight, host Chrissy Wozniak talks with Maialen Cazenave, Co-Director of GOFAR, about the evolution of agricultural robotics and what growers can expect from FIRA USA 2026.
Maialen explains how FIRA has evolved alongside the ag robotics industry, moving from static technology showcases to live demonstrations and increasingly focusing on commercial deployment, reliability, integration, and farm ROI. This year's FIRA USA marks another major shift as the event moves to Yakima, Washington, October 20-22, and expands beyond robotics into a broader range of agricultural technologies.
The Pacific Northwest edition was developed with input from local growers, commodity groups, universities, and agricultural organizations. Topics will include automation, harvesting, irrigation, canopy management, AI, data management, packing and processing technology, and other solutions addressing the needs of tree fruit, hops, onions, potatoes, berries, vineyards, and other regional crops.
Chrissy and Maialen also discuss the importance of farmer-to-farmer conversations about technology adoption, GOFAR's growing international role in connecting technology developers with real agricultural needs, and the second annual Women in Agriculture Innovation Award recognizing women making an impact across farming, research, engineering, robotics, automation, precision agriculture, AI, data, biotech, and other areas of agricultural innovation.
FIRA USA 2026 will also feature live technology demonstrations, a robot parade, farmer-focused peer discussions, research and innovation programming, approximately 600 students, and opportunities to see technology operating within the Pacific Northwest agricultural ecosystem.
Learn more about FIRA USA and the Women in Agriculture Innovation Award at fira-usa.com.
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