INTERREG-SUDOE Fructhor-ia Project: Autonomous robotics solutions for optimizing the competitiveness of the fruit and vegetable sector

The fruit and vegetable sector is a key economic activity across the Sudoe region, distinguished by its high productivity, diversification, and specialization. It also acts as a driving force for sustainable development in predominantly rural areas, both in terms of job creation and business and entrepreneurial opportunities. However, market globalization, increased competition, reduced profitability, and labor shortages and generational replacement pose major challenges that affect its viability and sustainability in the medium and long term. In this context, FRUCTHOR-IA addresses the technical, financial, and labor challenges of the fruit and vegetable sector, contributing to optimizing its competitiveness through the development of autonomous robotics solutions for crop monitoring and human-robot collaboration. These solutions leverage the potential of technological innovation to foster social and territorial cohesion, ensuring the fruit and vegetable sector's position as a fundamental pillar of a sustainable, competitive, and inclusive economic model. Through an analysis of the sector's automation needs, pilot-scale demonstrations of autonomous robotics solutions, and their transfer to the fruit and vegetable production network, FRUCTHOR-IA aims not only to drive the sector's digital transformation but also to foster a permanent environment of open innovation, cooperation, and dialogue among the various stakeholders. This focus on applied innovation and technology transfer will also be reflected in the development of a strategy to ensure the financial viability of robotics solutions. In this area, a model for financing investment through pooling among owners of compatible farms will be designed. In conclusion, FRUCTHOR-IA not only offers an innovative response to current challenges but also defines the path toward a more efficient, sustainable, and resilient fruit and vegetable sector in the SUDOE region.