Field Robot Event is an agricultural robotics competition in which students and their supervisors are involved in the automation of different agricultural practices, such as autonomous navigation in corn rows, crop irrigation, identification and removal of weeds and waste. The tests gradually increase in difficulty, until the last "freestyle" task in which the teams can show their creativity.
The Grasslammer Team
The Grasslammer Team is made up of:
- undergraduate and graduate students of Computer Engineering
- and graduate students of Automation Engineering
who - together with a teacher, a tutor, and two supervisors - face the challenge of the Field Robot Event by putting into practice the knowledge gained during the Robotics course and using Computer Vision, Deep Learning, and Robotics techniques.
Recruiting
Recruiting is aimed at students enrolled in the Robotics course, within the Computer Science and Automation Engineering programmes, as an alternative assessment to the written exam. Starting from the year 2023, recruiting is available also for students enrolled in the Multidisciplinary Project course within the Master of Science programme in Computer Engineering, as team tutors.
Contacts
Mirko Usuelli (PhD student, Department of Aerospace Science and Technology)
mirko.usuelli@polimi.it
Dr. Simone Mentasti (Researcher, Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering)
simone.mentasti@polimi.it
Prof. Matteo Matteucci (Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering)
matteo.matteucci@polimi.it
Let's get to know Grasslammer!
WHO IS IN THE TEAM?
We are a team of students especially from the Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering (DEIB), with a prevalence of people from computer science and automation courses.
WHEN WAS THE TEAM CREATED, AND HOW HAS IT EVOLVED OVER TIME?
The team was established in 2022. The same year, we participated for the first time in the Field Robot Event online. It was carried out virtually with a simulation due to Covid restrictions. However, it was a positive experience, though the team was smaller than in subsequent years.
As in-person competitions became viable the following year, we decided to participate with our own robot. It was our first experience abroad, in Slovenia. It was a highly educational experience as we had to face some operational difficulties in the field.
In 2025, we also organised the competition in Italy, combining technical activities with important organisational work.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE IN THE TEAM?
There are usually about 7–8 students. The team changes every year as many of us are students who, after taking the Robotics course, choose to work at the Airlab for about six months, and participate in the competition.
WHAT IS THE TEAM'S MAIN ACTIVITY, AND HOW IS THE WORK CARRIED OUT THROUGHOUT THE YEAR?
Between January and February, we analyse the rules for the new edition in an attempt to figure out the best changes we can make to the robot. We start with a basic setup, evaluating which sensors to add, and which algorithms to develop.
We split into small groups, usually of two people. Each person works on a specific task. Since February, we have been organising at least one weekly meeting to review the progress of work.
As the competition approaches, meetings become increasingly frequent and, especially in May, activities become almost daily. They are mainly carried out in the lab.
WHAT IS THE SECRET THAT KEEPS THE TEAM TOGETHER?
It comes quite naturally. We are a small team, and each of us is essential for the project to run smoothly. Everyone's contribution is instantly visible. This enhances accountability and engagement, especially when the competition draws closer and time runs out.
WHAT IS THE FURTHEST CITY YOU HAVE EVER COMPETED IN?
The longest trip we made was to Dortmund, Germany.
DO YOU REMEMBER ANY INTERESTING FACTS OR FUNNY INCIDENTS?
In one of the editions held in Germany, we chose to stay at a campsite because the competition was held in a rural area with no hotels. We slept in tents for the entire duration of the event. Considering the rain, the cold and working on the robot, it was a challenging experience, but also an important opportunity to bond as a team.
WHAT ARE THE NEXT GOALS?
We are improving the robot we used last year, making it more robust for autonomous navigation. We would like to integrate the use of cameras, combining them with depth sensors. We shall work on it until June 2026. Then we shall load it onto the van and set off for Leipzig, Germany.
WHY SHOULD ONE JOIN THE TEAM?
Participating in the Field Robot Event allows us to work in a highly international and multidisciplinary context, where robotics is applied to a field such as agriculture, with an important social impact and a different way of conducting research, even outside the lab.
