Farm Robotics Troubleshooting and Maintenance in XR
Modern agriculture is rapidly adopting autonomous robots for spraying, pruning and harvesting, but their widespread use is constrained by a shortage of technicians trained to maintain these complex systems. FARMTRON-XR addresses this skills gap by developing an Extended Reality (XR) training environment that provides safe, hands-on learning for robotic maintenance in vineyards and orchards.
The solution converts real maintenance procedures into immersive 3D scenarios that simulate field conditions and common failures, including:
- Battery inspection and replacement
- Connectivity troubleshooting
- Sensor calibration
- Mechanical repair
- Software diagnostics
Technology
Built in Unity3D with OpenXR standards and deployed through the VIROO platform, FARMTRON-XR ensures full interoperability across XR headsets and desktop systems. Training content integrates AIassisted
scenario generation (AAXLP) and a node-based learning structure that combines guided and exploratory modes. Safety procedures, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and hazard awareness, are embedded throughout each module to promote correct operational behaviour.
Through immersive simulations and real-time performance analytics, learners acquire procedural competence, faster fault recognition, and improved safety discipline. Designed for vocational training centres, agricultural schools, and farm operators, FARMTRON-XR builds a digitally skilled workforce ready for precision agriculture. By lowering training costs, reducing errors, and improving uptime, it accelerates the safe and sustainable integration of robotics into European farming. FARMTRON-XR will center on a generalized model of a vineyard robot, a modular, all-terrain platform capable of performing core viticultural operations such as mechanical weeding, shoot thinning, canopy
management and targeted spraying.
