The Event
The Field Robot Event is a multi-day, hands-on competition held in a real agricultural environment. Teams work directly at the field, test their systems, improve their robots, and compete in clearly defined tasks. At the same time, the event offers many opportunities for exchange and discussion between teams, organizers, and experts.
Each team brings its own autonomous field robot, developed in advance. The competition tasks focus on autonomous navigation, perception of plants and field structures, decision-making, and reliable operation under outdoor conditions.
A typical Field Robot Event runs over four days:
Day 1: Arrival, setup, field inspection, and test runs
Day 2: Competition runs for Task 1 and Task 2
Day 3: Competition runs for Task 3 and Task 4
Day 4: Task 5 – the FreeStyle Task and closing activities
The FreeStyle Task is not part of the overall ranking. It gives teams the opportunity to present their own ideas related to agricultural technology.
Throughout the event, teams have access to working areas close to the field. Accommodation is usually located nearby, which encourages informal exchange, joint problem solving, and networking.
The Field Robot Event usually takes place in mid-June, aligning with the growing season and typical academic schedules.
Event Locations
FAQ
Infrastructure / Organization
How does the registration process work?
Teams can register using the link provided at the top of the start page. We recommend that the team leader registers all team members together.
Make sure to purchase one ticket per participant. The price of €120 (including VAT) applies to a single person only.
Please note that the correct billing address has to be provided.
What does the registration include?
The registration includes:
* Entry to the DLG Feldtage 2026.
* Participation in the Field Robot Event 2026.
* Food
* Beverages (coffee, tea and water).
* Usage of the camping site, if you bring your own tent.
* Team presentation on the Field Robot Event website.
When is the deadline for team registration?
Registration closes on 30th of April, 2026.
How is the FRE 2026 organized?
The FRE 2026 is located close to the west exit of the DLG Feldtage. Teams have the possibility to work on their robots in the team tent where food and beverages are also provided.
Will there be internet access or WiFi on site?
Yes. WiFi is provided for participants. However, while available, bandwidth cannot always be guaranteed to be stable under heavy load.
Can we charge our robots and computers?
Yes. Power outlets (e.g. 3,000 W or similar capacity) are made available to each team for charging robots, laptops, and electronics.
Competition
What is the Field Robot Event?
The international Field Robot Event is an annual outdoor, online or hybrid contest on a real or virtual agricultural field, where students and their supervisors compete within tasks in autonomous navigation and other operations. The tasks gradually increase in difficulty. From basic and advanced navigation to sensing and manipulating. The last task is a freestyle task in which teams can show their creativity.
How many tasks are there and what do they test?
Typically, there are five main tasks. These evaluate capabilities such as row following, obstacle recognition, weed or plant classification, field mapping, and culminate in a freestyle challenge where teams present an innovative use case.
How are teams judged?
Teams are evaluated based on their robots’ technical performance (accuracy, speed, robustness), safe operation under dynamic outdoor conditions, reliability, and creativity (especially in the freestyle task).
Can teams receive financial support?
Yes. The CLAAS Foundation offers support of up to €1,500 for new teams. Application deadline is the 4th of May 2026. Details can be found under "Event".
How do new teams apply?
New teams may submit their application (e.g. a covering letter, description of the robot concept, team info, budget of equipment) by the stated deadline. The organizing body reviews and selects teams accordingly.
Accommodation / Food
What accommodation is available?
Teams have the option to pitch tents near the event location (included if you bring your own tent).
If you don't want to camp and bring your own tent, you need to organize an alternative accomodation yourself.
Further information on renting tents on the camping site can be found here: https://www.dlg-feldtage.de/en/visit/camping-glamping
How are food and beverages organized?
2026: Meals are provided by the organizers (* Food: dinner on the 15th, breakfast, packed lunch, dinner on the 16th and 17th, breakfast & packed lunch on the 18th. * Beverages: coffee, tea and water).
Will there be support for special dietary needs?
Yes, special dietary requirements are requested during the registration process and are taken into account by the catering service (e.g. vegetarian, vegan, allergies).