Robots, drones, and artificial intelligence for a more technological and sustainable grape harvest

Predictive models based on Artificial Intelligence in the DOCa Rioja, drone tests to bring grapes closer to more accessible areas in Ribeira Sacra, or harvesting robots at the Terras Gauda winery (Pontevedra) have been the innovative face of a harvest that has come early and reduced. In 2025, Spain was the fourth European country in agricultural innovation, and the sixteenth globally, after experiencing a 9.4% increase in patent applications in the sector compared to 2024, according to the latest report from the European Patent Office (EPO). Proof of this is the wine sector, which represents 1.6% of the national GDP and generates 22,350 million euros in Gross Value Added and has been developing projects with drones, robots, and artificial intelligence (AI) for years. Since 2023, the Regulatory Council of the DOCa Rioja has implemented an AI tool in its 60,000 hectares, which serves to predict the phenological moment of the vine or the harvest, obtain data, and be able to better ...