MobileTECH Ag 2020 transitioned into an online event
Given the global COVID-19 pandemic, which closed down international borders throughout the world, we decided to reformat MobileTECH Ag 2020 into an online only event series. Six interactive technology webinars were developed and run for all our delegates, speakers and sponsors. While it was disappointing for all that we could no longer hold the physical event in Rotoura, New Zealand, this year, we completely understood and supported the Government’s policy to protect the health and safety of our delegates – and the country.
Since 2013, MobileTECH Ag has been the only event of its type to bring together the technology leaders from right across the agricultural, horticultural and forestry sectors under one platform.
MobileTECH Ag 2020 theme was ‘Thriving on Smart Data’.
The key message from the last couple of years has been the need to better understand and utilise operational data to make smarter business decisions. New digital technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, The Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics, are continuing to drive massive change within New Zealand’s primary production sector. Our industry leaders are working alongside agritech companies to develop the tools necessary to compete in both our local and international markets.
The New Zealand agritech sector, which in 2018 exported $1.4 billion worth of agritech products, is expecting substantial growth, especically as we head out of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Key initiatives, thought organisations like Agritech NZ and Callaghan Innovation, are building significant Government and international support to further capitalise and develop technologies in this sector. It is an exciting time. It is also an important opportunity to create real solutions and improve productivity within the food and fibre sector.
In total, over 2.7 Zettabytes of data exists in our digital universe, with 90% of it created within the last two years. Over the next year, we will generate 1.7 megabytes per person per second – however, less than 0.5% of the available data is being analysed.
The New Zealand primary sector is rapidly accumulating data, through the remote sensors in our fields, GPS units tracking our vehicles, UAVs and satellite imagery data and electronic tags attached to animals. Smart companies are using this data to solve real-world issues.
5 key discussions at MobileTECH Ag 2020:
- What are the key digital technology trends and opportunities for the sector?
- How are technologies and innovations being adopted by leading agricultural, horticultural and forestry companies?
- How can we learn from recent successful case studies between technology developers and industry producers.
- Is data ownership, transparency, collection, use and security a major issue moving forward?
- As digital technologies transform the industry, how do we integrate the next generation of producers and better engage existing managers?
Online Series Outline:
- Part One | Wed 15 April 2020 – Designing agritech together – How to empathise, understand and build with your customer
- Part Two | Fri 17 April 2020 – Aligning with global agricultural standards and open source technology – the role and opportunities for NZ businesses
- Part Three | Mon 20 April 2020 – Connectivity for rural productivity
- Part Four | Wed 22 April 2020 – Wearable technologies empowering the worker
- Part Five | Fri 24 April 2020 – Agritech Industry Transformation Plan
- Part Six | Wed 29 April 2020 – Targeting big Issues with technology