Yogyakarta, May 20, 2025 – The Smart Agriculture Research Center at the Agricultural Engineering and Machinery Laboratory (EMP), Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), received a visit from Prof. Garry Sand, a leading professor from the University of Minnesota, United States, on May 20, 2025. This visit followed a previous guest lecture by Prof. Sand, which discussed global issues related to soil and water in the context of climate change.
After delivering a guest lecture entitled “CLIMATE CHANGE: A CENTRAL DRIVING FORCE, 10 GLOBAL SOIL AND WATER ISSUES,” Prof. Sand visited various facilities at the EMP Laboratory. He toured the Control and Robotics Sub-Lab (1st Floor), the Workshop & Machinery Sub-Lab (Basement), and the Plant Factory (Basement). This visit provided Prof. Sand with the opportunity to see firsthand the application of the latest technologies in agriculture in Indonesia, and to interact with researchers and staff at the Smart Agriculture Research Center in the EMP Laboratory.
Following his presentation, Prof. Sand, accompanied by Dr. Andri Prima Nugroho and the Smart Agriculture and EMP Laboratory team, conducted a site visit to various facilities. At the Control and Robotics Sub-Lab, Prof. Sand observed the agricultural robotics systems under development. At the Workshop & Machinery Sub-Lab, he examined various agricultural equipment and 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 technology and IoT for optimizing water use and monitoring plant health. Prof. Sand also provided valuable input on research development at the Smart Agriculture and EMP Laboratory.
Prof. Garry Sand’s visit is a significant step in strengthening international collaboration in agricultural technology. The Smart Agriculture Research Center is committed to continuous innovation and contributing to the development of sustainable agriculture in Indonesia. This visit also demonstrates UGM’s commitment to promoting global collaboration to address agricultural challenges in the era of climate change.