Tokyo University of Agriculture Collaborates for Future Smart Farming

A New Era for Smart Agriculture

Tokyo University of Agriculture, along with Mirait One Systems and Microsoft Japan, has embarked on an innovative initiative aimed at promoting the future of smart agriculture. This collaboration seeks to enhance the educational landscape through groundbreaking research and practical applications in the field of farming.

Starting in the 2024 academic year, the Department of Environmental Science in Production Engineering at Tokyo University will introduce a new curriculum that emphasizes smart agriculture as a cornerstone of its educational offerings. Key to this initiative is the mandatory course for second-year students titled "Introduction to Smart Agriculture". This course will cover various aspects of smart farming practices, including the use of cutting-edge technology and robotics.

During this course, students will have the opportunity to work hands-on with the highly versatile Unitree Go2, a four-legged robot designed for application across various agricultural scenarios. Activities have already commenced, with third-year students in the Bio-Robotics Laboratory also engaging in mandatory coursework, where they are learning about robotics and its potential applications in agriculture.

The Versatile Unitree Go2

The Unitree Go2 robot is not only a marvel of engineering but also holds significant potential within the agricultural sector. Its capabilities include monitoring and patrolling fields for security purposes, assisting farmers in tasks, and supporting precision farming techniques through mapping fields. Furthermore, the robot serves as a tool for inheriting advanced agricultural skills by extracting techniques from proficient farmers, and it can effectively deter wild animals, ensuring crops remain protected.

Both the Bio-Robotics Laboratory and Mirait One Systems, renowned for their achievements in robotic development, will investigate how to apply and enhance the use of quadrupedal robots in smart agriculture. This collaboration will explore multiple avenues, including potential applications within the university’s campus, and plans to engage the public through educational showcases at upcoming events.

Engagement Through Events

On August 2nd and 3rd, 2025, Tokyo University will host its annual Open Campus event at the Setagaya campus, where Associate Professor Kunihiro Hazemura from the Bio-Robotics Laboratory and representatives from Mirait One Systems will offer mock lectures aimed at educating prospective students and the community about smart agricultural practices. The event promises to showcase the advancements made in this field and generate enthusiasm among attendees for the future of agriculture.

Additionally, the University’s Harvest Festival, scheduled for October 30 to November 2, 2025, will provide another platform for sharing knowledge and demonstrating the applications of smart agriculture with the public. Participants will learn more about the integration of technology and traditional agricultural practices, reflecting the changing landscape of farming and food production.

For those interested in more details, further information can be found through the following links:

This synergy between academia and technological innovation signifies an exciting step towards more sustainable and efficient farming methods, illustrating how education and research can effectively transform traditional industries. The collaboration sets a precedence for future endeavors in smart agriculture, making it not only a topic of study but a practical field ripe with potential.