Visit of Prof. Garry Sands from University of Minnesota US to Smart Agri – EMP Lab: Exploring Smart Agriculture Technology

Yogyakarta, May 20, 2025 – The Smart Agriculture Research Center at the Laboratory of Agricultural Energy and Machinery (EMP), Faculty of Agricultural Technology Universitas Gadjah Mada (FTP UGM), received a visit from Prof. Garry Sands, a leading professor from the University of Minnesota, United States, on May 20, 2025. This visit followed a guest lecture previously delivered by Prof. Sands, which addressed global issues related to soil and water in the context of climate change.

After delivering a guest lecture titled "CLIMATE CHANGE: A CENTRAL DRIVING FORCE, 10 GLOBAL SOIL AND WATER ISSUES", Prof. Sands visited various facilities at the EMP Laboratory. He toured the Control and Robotics Sub-Lab. (Floor 1), the Workshop & Agricultural Machinery Sub-Lab. (Basement), and the Plant Factory (Basement). This visit provided an opportunity for Prof. Sands to directly observe the application of cutting-edge agricultural technology in Indonesia, as well as to interact with researchers and staff of the Smart Agriculture Research Center at the EMP Laboratory.

Prof. Gary Sands' Visit to the Plant Factory

Following his presentation, Prof. Sands, accompanied by Dr. Andri Prima Nugroho and the Smart Agriculture and EMP Laboratory team, conducted a direct inspection of various facilities. At the Control and Robotics Sub-Lab., Prof. Sands observed the agricultural robotics systems being developed. At the Workshop & Agricultural Machinery Sub-Lab., he viewed various equipment and agricultural machinery used for research and development. The visit to the Plant Factory provided an opportunity to see the innovative vertical farming system. During the visit, discussions focused on the potential application of sensor and IoT technology for optimizing water use and monitoring plant health. Prof. Sands also provided valuable input regarding research development at Smart Agriculture and the EMP Laboratory.

This visit by Prof. Garry Sands represents an important step in strengthening international cooperation in agricultural technology. The Smart Agriculture Research Center is committed to continuing to innovate and contribute to the development of sustainable agriculture in Indonesia. This visit also demonstrates UGM's commitment to promoting global collaboration in addressing agricultural challenges in the era of climate change.