Our unit participated in the national event “Les Terres de Jim,” held in the Doubs region and attracting nearly 70,000 visitors over three days. This event provided an opportunity to present the Robocats project, an innovative initiative focused on robotic control of vole populations—a true scourge for farmers.

Among the notable attendees, Marc Fesneau, Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, came to discover the technological advancements of the Robocats project. Accompanied by his advisors, he was able to appreciate the potential impact of robotics in addressing urgent agricultural challenges such as the vole problem.

Additionally, Marie-Jeanne Fotré-Muller, Director of the Regional Directorate for Food, Agriculture and Forestry (DRAAF) Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, attended alongside Patrice Prost, President of FREDON Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. Both participated in presentations and engaged in discussions with project leaders about the next steps.

A project focused on the future

The event continued with a half-day of demonstrations and exchanges between farmers, members of FREDON 25/90, and other stakeholders involved in vole control. The TSCF unit presented the progress made since the previous demonstration held in September 2022 at the INRAE site in Marcenat. Participants were able to observe mission planning and the robotic platform in action during the deployment of bait to control vole populations.

Feedback from attendees, along with the rich discussions that followed, will inform the next phases of the Robocats project. These exchanges will help refine innovations ahead of the next demonstration. By addressing the challenges posed by vole proliferation, the project supports farmers while integrating advanced technological solutions.