The Practical Impact of TALLHEDA on Student Research at AUA

The TALLHEDA project has contributed significantly to the transformation of the research landscape for students at the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA). The project provides a set of digital tools and resources, primarily through its Key Exploitable Results (KERs). These include training seminars on digital agriculture, a guidebook for digital agriculture innovation, an AI Data Hub for digital agriculture research and innovation, a blockchain and smart contract pilot, and a strawberry maturity detection system using computer vision. Using these resources, students were able to conduct case study-based research and develop innovative digital solutions for the agri-food sector. The three projects presented below show how TALLHEDA’s KERs effectively supported student research in practice. Specifically, e-posters of these projects were presented at the Key Actors event on April 1, 2026. 

1. Digital Assistant for Facilitating Blockchain Adoption in the European Regulatory Framework of the Fig Supply Chain

Problem: The fig supply chain faces persistent challenges in complying with the European regulatory framework and ensuring reliable traceability. Stakeholders often lack accessible, structured information on applicable EU regulations, which hinders the adoption of digital tools that could enhance transparency and trust.

Objective: To develop and evaluate a menu-driven digital assistant titled FigBot that supports fig supply chain stakeholders in understanding four relevant EU regulations and in leveraging blockchain technology to strengthen traceability and supply chain transparency.

Results: FigBot was evaluated by different stakeholders as a reliable and user-friendly tool. The findings show that FigBot can effectively support regulatory compliance in agricultural supply chains, promote blockchain adoption as a traceability mechanism, and accelerate the digital transition of the agri-food sector. 

Conclusion: FigBot can be considered as an effective means of bridging the gap between complex EU regulatory requirements and the practical needs of fig supply chain actors.

2. An Interactive Book on Aromatic Plants using Augmented Reality 

Challenge: In the digital age, integrating advanced technologies into the educational process has become essential. Traditional learning materials are often insufficient for effective study of botany and aromatic plants, limiting student engagement and knowledge retention.

Objective: To develop and present an interactive book on aromatic plants using Augmented Reality (AR), transforming plant study into an experiential learning activity. AR enables the overlay of digital information, such as graphics, text, and 3D models, onto the real world in real time, offering a unique interaction between physical and virtual objects.

Results: The use of the AR application significantly improved students' ability to recognise plant species and retain information of aromatic plants, and enhanced learning outcomes compared to traditional study methods. 

Conclusion: AR serves as a pedagogical bridge between theory and practice, transforming the study of aromatic plants from passive reading into an immersive, experiential exploration.

3. StrawBot: A Chatbot for Supporting Digital Tool Adoption in Strawberry Production

Problem: Strawberry production requires continuous monitoring and timely decision-making, yet farmers often struggle to identify and access appropriate digital tools, limiting their adoption.

Objective: Το evaluate digital tools for strawberry production and develop a chatbot-based assistant (StrawBot) to support farmers in selecting suitable applications across production stages.

Results: 50 tools were identified and classified into eight categories. A greenhouse production scenario demonstrated their application throughout the cultivation cycle. StrawBot, developed using Landbot, was evaluated by 57 users using the CUQ, achieving a high usability score (88/100), indicating strong user acceptance and effectiveness.

Conclusion: Digital tools enhance efficiency and sustainability in strawberry production, while StrawBot can facilitate their adoption by making complex information accessible and actionable for farmers.