The Event
The FieldRobotEvent 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 FieldRobotEvent 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 FieldRobotEvent usually takes place in mid-June, aligning with the growing season and typical academic schedules.
Event Locations
FAQ
Infrastructure
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 per team to help with participation costs.
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 often have the option to pitch tents near the event location (bring your own). Additional lodging may also be arranged nearby. fieldrobot.nl
How is food / meals organized?
Meals are generally provided or arranged by the organizers (e.g. lunch, dinner) or participants receive information about local catering or dining options.
Will there be support for special dietary needs?
Yes, organizers are typically informed in advance and endeavor to accommodate special dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian, vegan, allergies).