Mitsuko Shino, Japan’s Ambassador to Germany, visited the ATB to learn about current research highlights and explore opportunities for deeper scientific and technical cooperation.
The visit follows the recent trip to Japan by a delegation from the Leibniz Association, led by ATB Director Prof. Dr Barbara Sturm. The aim of the exchange was to build on the long-standing, good relations between ATB and Japanese research institutions such as TUAT and Kyoto University, and to identify new potential for cooperation – including industrial partners such as Yanmar and Kubota in Japan.
Insight into the research areas of agricultural engineering, sensors, and modelling
During a tour, the Ambassador gained an insight into the breadth of ATB’s research. Among other things, innovative approaches to the use of insects and the development of sustainable packaging were presented, as well as the biotechnological conversion of biomass into valuable biobased chemicals and methods for reducing emissions in livestock farming.
A particular focus was placed on the Department of Agromechatronics. Here, the latest developments in robotics and digitalisation for sustainable and resource-efficient agriculture were presented. The Japanese Ambassador showed great interest in the technological solutions and the potential for joint projects, particularly in the fields of Automation and Precision Horticulture.
Foundation for future partnerships
Prof. Dr Barbara Sturm, Scientific Director of ATB, emphasised the significance of the visit: “It was a particular honour for us to welcome Ambassador Shino at ATB. This exchange is the ideal continuation of the very constructive discussions held during the Leibniz delegation’s trip to Japan in 2025. Japan is a global technology leader, and the keen interest in our research in the field of Agromechatronics and beyond demonstrates that we are working on globally relevant future-oriented topics. We see enormous potential for collaboration, not only in science but also in networking with leading technology manufacturers in Japan. An excellent opportunity to foster this exchange will arise as early as August at the 32nd International Horticultural Congress (IHC 2026) in Kyoto, which several ATB researchers will actively contribute to with their own presentations.”
The visit concluded with the clear aim of continuing the dialogue and further deepening the German-Japanese partnership in bioeconomy research. As an immediate next step, a joint project proposal is already being prepared in the forward-looking field of agricultural robotics, which is intended to further consolidate cooperation with Japanese partners.
Contact
Prof. Dr. Barbara Sturm
Scientific Director
Telephon: +49 331 5699-101
Email: director@atb-potsdam.de