{"id":274,"date":"2025-12-27T20:57:43","date_gmt":"2025-12-27T20:57:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/?page_id=274"},"modified":"2026-05-12T08:42:27","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T08:42:27","slug":"about","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/?page_id=274","title":{"rendered":"About"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Agricultural&nbsp;Engineering&nbsp;Innovations<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/a_About_image-edited-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-822\" srcset=\"https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/a_About_image-edited-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/a_About_image-edited-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/a_About_image-edited-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/a_About_image-edited-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/a_About_image-edited-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/a_About_image-edited-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br>The <strong>Agro-Forestry Innovations Laboratory<\/strong> promotes the technological transfer of innovations in agricultural and forestry production biosystems, with particular regard to the specific characteristics of mountain environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>AFI-Lab&#8217;s cutting-edge equipment is used in research projects, but also for testing technologies and prototypes, with the aim of promoting the digitalisation of processes, identifying the best solutions to increase the sustainability of mechanised operations, and improving the working conditions of those employed in the sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The laboratory&#8217;s equipment and the multidisciplinary expertise are therefore used in institutional research, participatory research (for the joint development of technologies with companies in the sector) and the certification of new machines or devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Main topics<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The safety conditions of machinery<\/strong>, with particular regard to issues related to extreme mountain conditions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The environmental impact of agricultural activities<\/strong>, with particular attention to the use of pesticides in orchards<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The energy efficiency of agricultural machinery<\/strong>, including the use of alternative fuels<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The development of technological solutions<\/strong> for the digital transformation of management, and <strong>process automation<\/strong> in farms and forestry enterprises<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Laboratory Equipment<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"574\" src=\"https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-15-at-12.00.23-1024x574.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-286\" srcset=\"https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-15-at-12.00.23-1024x574.png 1024w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-15-at-12.00.23-300x168.png 300w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-15-at-12.00.23-768x431.png 768w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-15-at-12.00.23.png 1494w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Platform for stability tests of drive units<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Indoor structure for testing and certifying, in a configurable environment, the stability conditions of various drive units (up to 10 tonnes) on a full scale. Consisting of a rotating (360 degrees) and tilting (up to 55 degrees) platform made up of 4 independent, shifting plains, capable of simulating various configurations of uneven ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/erdetBCn-g8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">WATCH THE VIDEO \u2192<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/?page_id=1423&amp;prevew=true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MORE INFO \u2192<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"994\" height=\"559\" src=\"https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/b_Lab_Eq_Galleria_vento-edited-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-292\" srcset=\"https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/b_Lab_Eq_Galleria_vento-edited-1.jpg 994w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/b_Lab_Eq_Galleria_vento-edited-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/b_Lab_Eq_Galleria_vento-edited-1-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 994px) 100vw, 994px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Wind tunnel for assessing sprayer drift phenomena<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Space enclosed by movable walls (width 6 m, length 30 m, height 10 m) for analysing drift phenomena associated with the use of full-scale sprayers. Semi-field test environment with the possibility of controlling the air flow speed (in laminar motion up to 5 m\/s) thanks to 7 extractor fans with a total electrical power of up to 170 kW.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/b_Lab_Eq_2025-AFIL-Wndkanal.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MORE INFO \u2192<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"753\" src=\"https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/b_Lab_Banco_Motori_4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1135\" srcset=\"https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/b_Lab_Banco_Motori_4.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/b_Lab_Banco_Motori_4-300x226.jpg 300w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/b_Lab_Banco_Motori_4-768x578.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Engine test bench<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The AFI-Lab is equipped with several instruments that measure engine performance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1624\" src=\"https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cableway-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1329\" srcset=\"https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cableway-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cableway-300x190.jpg 300w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cableway-1024x650.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cableway-768x487.jpg 768w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cableway-1536x974.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cableway-2048x1299.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Logging cableway system to test forestry carriages<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Indoor test facility for cable logging systems, consisting of a fixed column (8\u202fm high) and a movable column (6\u202fm high) supporting a configurable skyline cable with adjustable slope, span, and tension. The system can be used to test different types of forestry carriages and enables real-time measurement of the tension in the skyline.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1454\" src=\"https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/test_rops.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1265\" srcset=\"https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/test_rops.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/test_rops-300x218.jpg 300w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/test_rops-1024x744.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/test_rops-768x558.jpg 768w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/test_rops-1536x1117.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Facility for testing tractor ROPS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Indoor facility for testing and certifying tractor ROPS (Roll\u2011Over Protective Structures). The system consists of a pair of electro\u2011actuators capable of generating a crushing force of up to 200\u202fkN, and an additional actuator for horizontal loads (or inclined loads up to 45\u00b0) with a capacity of up to 150\u202fkN. The system is also integrated with an optical real\u2011time deformation measurement system.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2500\" height=\"1875\" src=\"https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/smart_carriage.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1279\" srcset=\"https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/smart_carriage.jpg 2500w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/smart_carriage-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/smart_carriage-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/smart_carriage-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/smart_carriage-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/smart_carriage-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Smart Forestry Carriage<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Smart remote-controlled carriage equipped with two electric winches for movement along the carrying cable and for lifting the load. The carriage integrates various sensors, including an inclinometer, a load cell mounted on one pulley, two inclination sensors for the pulley arms, an encoder, and an ultrasonic ground\u2011distance sensor. The system is used to develop and test new operational and safety monitoring procedures.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2500\" height=\"1875\" src=\"https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/benchView.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1290\" srcset=\"https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/benchView.jpg 2500w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/benchView-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/benchView-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/benchView-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/benchView-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/benchView-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>PDIA system for image based measurements of droplets properties<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Oxford Lasers VisiSize N60 Particle\/Droplet Image Analysis (PDIA) system for\u202fImage-based\u202fmeasurement\u202fof\u202fdiameter,\u202fshape, velocity and direction of droplets\u202fgenerated by spray nozzles. The test bench simulates the hydraulic circuit on agricultural sprayers and provides real-time statistics on the dimensional composition of the spray. The system can measure droplets down to\u202f&gt;2\u00b5m\u202fand up to 15.000 droplets\/second. Custom post-processing algorithms developed in-house allow innovative use of the data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-admin\/post.php?post=1289&amp;action=edit\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-admin\/post.php?post=1289&amp;action=edit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MORE INFO \u2192<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1928\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/vertical-patternator-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Vertical Patternator\" class=\"wp-image-1241\" srcset=\"https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/vertical-patternator-scaled.jpg 1928w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/vertical-patternator-226x300.jpg 226w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/vertical-patternator-771x1024.jpg 771w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/vertical-patternator-768x1020.jpg 768w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/vertical-patternator-1157x1536.jpg 1157w, https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/vertical-patternator-1543x2048.jpg 1543w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1928px) 100vw, 1928px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Patternators to characterize the distribution pattern from sprayer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Patternators are structures meant to characterize the vertical or horizontal distribution pattern of liquid distributed by a sprayer. The laboratory is equipped with horizontal patternators up to 20 m, and two vertical patternators reaching up to 4.5 m, which can characterize the vertical distribution pattern of the machine with a 10 cm resolution. The equipment, provided by Salvarani s.r.l. (Poviglio, IT), is to be used in certification and testing activities as well.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Agricultural&nbsp;Engineering&nbsp;Innovations The Agro-Forestry Innovations Laboratory promotes the technological transfer of innovations in agricultural and forestry production biosystems, with particular regard to the specific characteristics of mountain environments. AFI-Lab&#8217;s cutting-edge equipment is used in research projects, but also for testing technologies and prototypes, with the aim of promoting the digitalisation of processes, identifying the best solutions to increase the sustainability of mechanised operations, and improving the working conditions of those employed in the sector. The laboratory&#8217;s equipment and the multidisciplinary expertise are therefore used in institutional research, participatory research (for the joint development of technologies with companies in the sector) and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-274","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/274","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=274"}],"version-history":[{"count":57,"href":"https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/274\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1792,"href":"https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/274\/revisions\/1792"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/afilab.groups.unibz.it\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=274"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}