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The Potential of Drones in Rural Logistics: Insights from the ICAERUS 2nd Demo Event

March 5, 2025
Events

4Growth is at the forefront of driving digital transformation in agriculture, and it was a key contributor to the 2nd ICAERUS Demo Event on February 26, 2025, in Thessaloniki, Greece. At this event, experts, policymakers, and innovators gathered to explore the role of Drones as a Service (DAAS) in enhancing rural logistics and supporting remote agricultural communities. 4Growth showcased its vision for integrating drone technology into precision farming solutions, highlighting the synergy between digital tools and sustainable agricultural practices.

Aikaterini Kasimati (Agricultural University of Athens) showcased 4Growth’s vision for sustainable agricultural practices at the 2nd ICAERUS Demo Event

Bridging Innovation and Practical Application

Participants gained insights into Drones as a Service (DAAS), the European regulatory framework for drone operations, and ICAERUS’ DaedaLus Platform, which enables digital solutions for drone-based services. A key moment was the live drone demonstration, where the GEOSENSE team showcased UAV capabilities in real-world logistics applications.

Demo participants explore the Velos helicopter UAV, adapted for rural logistics and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations

The event also fostered knowledge exchange across Horizon Europe projects, featuring presentations from FUTURAL, STELLA, XGain, and 4Growth. The 4Growth project contributed by presenting its vision for digital transformation in agriculture, linking drone technologies with broader precision agriculture solutions. The discussion underscored the importance of digitalisation, interoperability, and policy alignment to scale drone applications effectively in rural settings.

Shaping a dynamic network for knowledge exchange across Horizon Europe projects

Key Takeaways

  • Drones can play a crucial role in rural logistics, enabling efficient delivery of agricultural supplies and enhancing connectivity in remote areas.
  • Regulatory frameworks and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) must be well-defined for seamless integration of drone services.
  • Cross-project collaboration between ICAERUS, 4Growth, and other Horizon Europe initiatives is essential to drive innovation and policy development for digital agriculture solutions.
  • Stakeholder engagement and hands-on demonstrations are key to bridging the gap between research and practical adoption.

Valuable insights into the scalability and sustainability of drone-based rural logistics set the stage for continued advancements in digital agriculture and smart farming solutions.