Italian Researchers Pioneer Digital Twins to Cut Vineyard Testing Costs and Risks

In the vineyards of Italy, a quiet but significant transformation is underway. Technology is becoming an integral part of viticulture, with robots, sensors, and artificial intelligence now working alongside experienced growers. Recent developments include Frasky, a robot created by the Italian Institute of Technology, and an AI-powered grape selector used at Tenute del Cerro in Montepulciano. Another innovation is the RC 3075, an autonomous tool carrier developed by Black Shire in collaboration with Roberto Conterno of the renowned Giacomo Conterno winery and engineer Federico Bona, who recently received the 2025 Technology Innovation Award.

The latest advancement comes from researchers at the Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Electronics, Information and Bioengineering at Politecnico di Milano. Working with Soluzioni Ingegneria, a company specializing in vehicle simulation software, they have developed a new system to test and optimize autonomous tractor driving strategies in a virtual environment. This system creates a digital twin of the vineyard that accurately reproduces slopes, uneven terrain, and row layouts.

According to the research team, using realistic simulations can reduce both the risks and costs associated with field trials. The technology also offers a valuable tool for training operators and could help speed up the adoption of new agricultural technologies. Their study, published in AgriEngineering, outlines a comprehensive method for creating realistic vineyard scenarios and evaluating control algorithms for autonomous driving.

The goal is not simply to reduce human presence in the vineyard. Instead, the researchers aim to provide a high-fidelity digital environment where automation solutions based on sensors and predictive algorithms can be safely developed, tested, and improved. In this virtual setting, tractors equipped with low-cost GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) sensors and IMUs (Inertial Measurement Units) have been tested. These devices allow tractors to move autonomously between rows and perform precise turning maneuvers outside the field.

GNSS sensors use satellite signals to calculate geographic coordinates anywhere on Earth, while IMUs measure movement and orientation in real time. By combining these technologies with advanced algorithms, the tractors can navigate complex vineyard layouts without human intervention.

Federico Cheli, professor at Politecnico di Milano and project coordinator, explains that their approach brings together terrain modeling, advanced control systems, and realistic sensor data within a single simulation environment. This integration allows researchers to accelerate development while minimizing the risks and expenses of real-world testing.

The use of digital twins in agriculture is still emerging but shows promise for improving efficiency and safety in vineyard management. As more wineries adopt these technologies, the role of automation in viticulture is expected to grow. For now, Italian researchers are leading efforts to ensure that future innovations are thoroughly tested before reaching the fields.