Maker Faire Yearbook 2023
Projects
Found 49 Results
Food Pairing
Faire: Rome
Maker: Sapienza Università di Roma
Food pairing is a method of identifying which foods go well together. Thanks to the recent availability on the internet of a large number of recipes and databases on the chemical compounds, it is possible to propose combinations based on modern data science techniques which analyze the food graph possibly enriched by the graph of their chemical components. The project proposes to investigate this graph, to visualize it in an attractive way and to experiment during the maker faire with some combinations in order to collect visitor feedback
MICRO-LAB
Faire: Rome
Maker: Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria - Centro di ricerca Ingegneria e Trasformazioni agroalimentari
The micro-lab is an innovative portable and easy-to-use system equipped with low-cost digital and sensorized devices that allow for the constant monitoring of the main chemico-physical parameters of the storage liquids of certain agri-food products, particularly the storage brines of table olives.
By measuring temperature, pH, salinity, and acidity, both free and volatile acidity, automatically and without the need for specialized operators, it is possible to control product conformity and healthfulness, benefiting quality and environmental, energy and economic sustainability.
THE FOOD OF THE FUTURE, THE FUTURE OF FOOD
Faire: Rome
Maker: EltHub srl
How can food be produced in the future? How can food be produced in extreme environments? What does it have in common with future space food? These are some of the topics we want to "tell" at maker faire. Futuristic hydroponic crops within everyone's reach:
- ROBOTFARM a hydroponic greenhouse the size of a washing machine
- HYDROWALL a vertical farm the size of a planter
- SOLE a future greenhouse ground demonstrator rack cabinet on the International Space Station
- ROBOTLAMP new generation LED lamps for growing anywhere in the world and in space
- MIG the vertical container farm to cultivate automatically even in the most extreme environments
- NUTRI3D a 3D food printer to obtain nutraceuticals, vitamins and sources of antioxidants, starting from fresh raw materials or agri-food processing waste for the formulation of new generation food "inks", personalized foods, snacks-on-the-go , sports food, military, astronauts etc...
Piaccadino^2 – titolatore automatico per alimenti
Faire: Rome
Maker: Università degli Studi della Tuscia
Piaccadino^2 is an affordable automatic titrator for analyzing organic acids in plant tissues. It uses Arduino, a pH probe, a thermoresistor, and a stepper motor. Improvements include enhanced precision, wireless connectivity, and Python programmability. Suitable for research and education, it offers a low-cost and customizable solution for more accurate and reproducible titrations.
ANTIBACTERIAL TABLEWARE
Faire: Rome
Maker: Ceramiche NOI S.c.a.r.l.
The "Antibacterial Plate" project stems from an important Research & Development phase that the company has already undertaken since 2020 during the pandemic. We wondered what could be needed in such a moment and what it could cope with in a market like ours to a pandemic but also to an improvement of catering and private environments.This is how the research and first prototyping phase of this project began, which saw the filing of a patent for a particular object which, due to its particularity, can reject up to 99% of the bacteria that deposit on it can be bacteria of various types and by imagining the various "passages" of dishes, for example in a restaurant or self-service restaurant or naval restaurant halls, we hypothesized that these objects could have an enormous plus compared to other identical but not antibacterial objects.We have therefore arrived at the laboratory certification of products both in single color and with antibacterial decorations and decals with a characteristic that resists the microwave oven and dishwasher for the entire life of the product without ever failing up to at its breakup. This product is extremely innovative as it can be used in many areas, both private and public, to increase hygiene and above all to counteract the spread of bacteria in the kitchen and in refreshment areas without considering that being reusable after washing it is also highly environmental impact and reduces the use of "single portions" which are extremely polluting today.
SIMODROFILA
Faire: Rome
Maker: Società Agricola Colle Difesa s.s.
The SIMODROFILA project - Systems for the sustainable control of Drosophila Suzukii and other pests relevant to Lazio fruit growing is a pilot project for the development of new approaches, processes and technologies aimed at increasing competitiveness and sustainability in the agricultural production sector of the production area " Roman Sabina ". Specifically, the project idea aims to provide the local production system with a permanent monitoring and 'early warning' system for key phytophagous pests to fruit in the area's production.
The support activity for this pilot project is financed by sub-measure 16.2.1 of the RDP Lazio 2014-2020 within the framework of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 and subsequent amendments and integrations.
Agrobot
Faire: Rome
Maker: ITI Galileo Ferraris Scampia Napoli
Our project was designed to significantly reduce the pollution caused by the spraying of chemical products such as copper and sulfur in the vineyards. Copper is a heavy metal and for this reason toxic to soils while sulfur causes serious irritation to the respiratory system and to the skin of men. These two pollutants are very harmful to our ecosystem and the environment. Unfortunately, these products are widely used in agriculture because they are used to fight diseases such as Peronospora and Oidium. These fungi affect all agricultural cultures but in particular the excellent vine of Made Italy for the production of quality wine.
Polyter®: La rivoluzione verde dell’agricoltura – Conservazione dell’acqua, aumento della produttività e sostenibilità in un unico granulato innovativo!”
Faire: Rome
Maker: Agrifertile srl
Polyter® is a revolutionary agricultural project that addresses global challenges related to pollution, energy costs, food security, global warming, and water scarcity. Its main objective is water conservation, a precious and limited resource often wasted in large quantities, especially in the agricultural sector.
Polyter® is a unique fertilizing hydro-retainer that comes in the form of granules. These granules have an extraordinary capacity to absorb water from 160 to 300 times their dry weight, functioning as a water reservoir for plants. Moreover, Polyter® acts as a permanent dispenser of water and fertilizers to meet the plants' needs, providing them with everything they require to grow and develop optimally.
What makes Polyter® truly exceptional is its ability to lower soil temperature, reducing plant stress. It works as a kind of refrigerated dispenser, ensuring optimal root, vegetative, fruit, and flower development. Balanced fertilizers specifically designed to nourish root development are incorporated within Polyter®, which is an essential element for plant growth. Polyter® seamlessly integrates with the roots, becoming an integral and optimal part of the plant.
The versatility of Polyter® is one of its main strengths. It can be used in all types of crops and on all types of soil, allowing for broad applicability in both agricultural and horticultural contexts. Worldwide, agronomists, researchers, and inventors have been searching for hidden freshwater sources, but current methodologies fail to address the massive water waste in agriculture. Polyter® represents a breakthrough in this direction.
The benefits of Polyter® are manifold. Firstly, it enables water savings of at least 50% to 80%, ensuring more efficient water resource management. Additionally, it reduces fertilizer consumption by 30% to 50%, optimizing yield, quality, and production sustainability. Polyter® also acts as a growth activator, advancing cultivation cycles and increasing root mass by 3 to 5 times. This translates into higher agricultural productivity, ranging from 30% to 100% depending on the crop type.
Another important aspect is that Polyter® is completely biodegradable in the soil, with a degradation period ranging from 3 to 5 years, depending on the number of bacteria present in the soil. This further enhances Polyter®'s sustainability and environmental impact.
In addition to water savings and improved crop yields, Polyter® plays a fundamental role in soil regeneration. It acts as a synthetic "earthworm," aerating, stabilizing, and binding the soil. Furthermore, it contributes to humus restructuring and reduces losses from evaporation and leaching. This promotes soil health and preserves long-term fertility.
Safety is a top priority for Polyter®. It leaves no residues in the soil or in fruit and vegetable crops, as confirmed by accredited analyses. This aspect is crucial to ensure the quality and safety of food produced using Polyter®.
Participating in the Maker Faire Rome represents an exceptional opportunity for us to share the innovation of Polyter® with the public. Our project offers tangible solutions to water-related challenges, sustainable agriculture, and environmental preservation. We are proud to present an idea that combines technology with ecology, promoting more efficient and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
Thanks to our participation in the Maker Faire Rome, we can demonstrate how Polyter® works through an exhibition that includes a table to showcase our products, a display to illustrate Polyter® granules, a computer, and a screen to present case studies, photos, and videos showcasing the extraordinary results achieved. Additionally, we will have an informative panel to provide further details about the project.
We are excited to be part of such a stimulating event and to present Polyter® as an innovation that will transform sustainable agriculture. Our goal is to contribute to a future where water resources are used responsibly, and the environment is preserved.
STARTUP AWARDS – FOODTECH & AGRITECH
Faire: Rome
Maker: WE INFORM SRL
Fortune Italia Startup Awards - Foodtech & Agritech Edition 2023 individua e premia le startup che stanno avendo un impatto positivo nei settori Agritech/Foodtech attraverso attività che fanno parte della loro strategia di core business.
Nectar
Faire: Rome
Maker: posti s.r.l.
NECTAR is an innovative project aiming to create the first agrifood metaverse, providing an immersive experience in the realm of nutrition and healthy, sustainable eating. This environment combines cutting-edge technologies to offer users a unique experience that merges education, experimentation, and innovation.
The main components of the project are blockchain-tracked products and metabolic avatars. The blockchain aspect includes a wide range of agri-food products from select Italian companies, allowing users to interact with them in an immersive experience. They can learn about the products' origins, nutritional characteristics, and make informed choices. Users can also connect with the producing companies, gaining insights into their sustainable production practices and the food supply chain.
The metabolic avatar is a personalized digital representation of an individual's metabolism, created using information from wearable devices such as smart bands and impedance scales. It enables real-time and remote monitoring of physiological parameters, providing data used to deliver a customized quality index for food choices based on simulated metabolic effects. The avatar tracks user metabolism levels over time, offering a comprehensive view of metabolic variations and responses to consumed foods and supplements.
The personalized metabolic avatar (PMA) employs a deep learning GRU (gated recurrent unit) model trained to predict weight changes, blood glucose, and other physiological variables tailored to macronutrient composition and daily energy balance. The model allows simulations and evaluations of dietary plans, facilitating the definition of customized goals for achieving ideal weight.
NECTAR's platform integrates metabolic and sensory avatars, blockchain, and virtual reality technologies to create a metaverse dedicated to agrifood. Avatars interact with blockchain-tracked products, providing consumers with detailed information on the origin, quality, and sustainability of food products. By combining sensory and metabolic analyses with blockchain, NECTAR ensures transparency, sustainability, and food safety, meeting the needs of consumers, institutions, and companies. The ultimate goal is to promote sustainable agriculture, environmentally and human-health-friendly food production, circular economy, and the reduction of food waste, following the "One Health" approach.
NECTAR addresses various industrial, economic, and social challenges. It tackles the lack of transparency in nutritional information and the presence of unhealthy ingredients in food products. It also aims to combat the global obesity epidemic by promoting balanced and healthy eating. Furthermore, NECTAR aims to address social issues by offering affordable access to nutritious and sustainable food.
In conclusion, NECTAR is an innovative proposal that combines emerging technologies like the metaverse, metabolic avatars, blockchain, and NFTs to create a platform dedicated to agrifood, promoting sustainability and transparency in the industry. Despite not being realized yet, presenting this project to the public can generate interest, engagement, and potential collaborations while evaluating market demand.
Smart Sensor for Testing Agrifood Quality & Safety at the Point of Care
Faire: Rome
Maker: Sapienza Università di Roma
The Device we present is a Lab-on-Chip. It consists of a system on glass (SoG), where are integrated photosensors for light detection, a thermalization system and sensors for controlling the temperature. The SoG is coupled with a microfluidic system where biological assay occurs and allows the detection of mycotoxins and food pathogens. The system is contained in a portable metallic box.
The assays consist of specific recognition elements for the detection of the mycotoxins, which identify the target (mycotoxins) and emits a luminescent signal when the target is present. The luminescent signal is then detected by the photosensors. In the case of food pathogens, the system is able to perform a molecular test: identify a specific DNA sequence of the pathogens, which is amplified and detected by the photosensors following the luminescent signal generated during the DNA amplification. The thermalization system ensures the reactions occurring at the requested temperature.
“AflaZeroUV & Aflazero”: Box UV per individuare aflatossine negli alimenti e impianto di decontaminazione. Protezione alimentare con raggi UV e trattamento per garantire sicurezza e salute.”
Faire: Rome
Maker: AFLAZERO LTD
AflaZeroUV is a device that uses ultraviolet rays to detect aflatoxins in food. The food sample is exposed to UV rays, and the detected fluorescent reaction allows for determining the presence and quantity of aflatoxins. An innovative solution for ensuring safer food. The AflaZero decontamination system is an advanced system that utilizes a specific process to remove or reduce aflatoxins in contaminated food. By applying controlled conditions of temperature and treatment time with ozone, the system ensures the destruction of aflatoxins, making the food safe for human consumption.
Info Point Olografico tridimensionale Interattivo con Intelligenza Artificiale
Faire: Rome
Maker: Media Engineering Srl
An AI-powered agri-food holographic avatar can offer detailed food information, assist with personalized recipes, assess environmental impacts, guide diets, suggest trends, and educate on safety and sustainability, benefiting consumers and producers alike.
#HarvestingMakerino
Faire: Rome
Maker: Bruno Luziatelli
With Makerino it is possible to quickly create IoT electronic projects and those connected to the network in general, such as:
-Smart agriculture systems
-Meteorological Stations
-Data acquisition and sending to the cloud
-Control of remote devices
-Low energy consumption IoT projects
ideal for:
-Students, Professors and Researchers
-Makers passionate about electronics and programming
-Schools, universities and training institutes.
The project of some makers of Officine Robotiche, in the framework of AssoInnovazione.
Girasole: Sensing in Farming
Faire: Rome
Maker: GIRASOLE SRL
The system consists of a network of wireless IoT sensors in the shape of a sunflower equipped with a photovoltaic panel and internal battery. These devices are configured to monitor specific applications, and the collected data is transmitted to our completely Italian cloud system, where it is processed by artificial intelligence algorithms to make visible predictions on the Sunflower App. For example, the application supports farmers in reducing water waste for irrigation, reducing fertilizers and treatments, and improving productivity.
Bombeer srl
Faire: Rome
Maker: Bombeer srl
Bombeer is a bottom-fermented lager beer, born from the careful selection of the finest varieties of barley, hops and yeast, produced by Birra Castello Spa.
The particular fermentation process gives it a harmonious, soft and enveloping taste.
The slim body and subtle carbonation play in balance, closing with a clean finish that invites a second sip.
Due to its characteristics it is suitable as an aperitif beer and for consumption throughout the meal, even better if in front of a match on TV.
Green4Mud
Faire: Rome
Maker: ITS "Efficienza Energetica"
Mud is processed trought water extraction into purified water, consequently hydrogen (STEP 2), and biocompost (STEP 3). Purified water from water extraction process is distilled and then used to produce green hydrogen trought electrolytic cell. After the first step of water extraction, the resulted biocompost could be used as fertilizer in agro-food companies.
Spireat un futuro sostenibile
Faire: Rome
Maker: algaria srl
the project we are presenting this year derives from the technological innovations presented in recent years and will lead to the request for a new patent, application presented in 2022. the project concerns the optimization of natural light on productions in open pond systems on the production of microalgae by improving the performance of production and returns on investment in technologies that are still not very mature, and which will also make it possible to improve the capture of CO2 which is already naturally efficient in microalgal production systems,
ModuSmart
Faire: Rome
Maker: Pasquale Iavecchia
Bring smart automation to your fingertips with our Arduino based controllers. Easy to install and highly adaptable, they offer seamless and integrated control for homes and industries. Discover how our innovative solution transforms your everyday life. #Automation #Arduino #MakerFaire
Pollen Sprayer
Faire: Rome
Maker: IISS “Ven. Ignazio Capizzi” - Bronte ( CT)
The Pollen Sprayer is a particular electronic tank, equipped with nebulizers, which allows you to carry out the artificial pollination of plants with the aid of a drone. Designed for the pistachio plant, it can be used for any fruit tree in order to improve fruit setting and increase production. What makes the Pollen Sprayer unique is the fact that it can be adapted to any drone. In fact, given the high cost, the purchase of specific agricultural drones is not accessible to everyone.
NAO & SMART FOOD CONSERVATION SYSTEM (NAO&SFCS)
Faire: Rome
Maker: I.I.S. "G. Marconi"
The Project, through the use of cutting-edge technologies in the IoT and AI sector, allows automatic and continuous monitoring of food quality through a digital olfactory system using gas sensors for the measurement of particular aromatic compounds.
The system integrates a subsystem for monitoring the expiry dates of packaged products using a barcode and QR scanner.
Thanks to the integration with the humanoid robot NAO, it will perform the function of technical support thanks to the vocal synthesis for the reproduction of the messages shown on the display.
FRANCHINO IL ROBOTTINO PER L’AGRICOLTURA
Faire: Rome
Maker: Fondazione ITS E.A.T. di Grosseto
It is known that in agriculture a healthy and protected environment is important for having a quality harvest.
Being able to intervene promptly and within tight deadlines is essential in agriculture to solve any problem encountered in the soil.
Hence the idea of creating a "robot insect" that is able to move autonomously on the ground and, thanks to the advanced technology with which it is equipped, will be able to analyze the technical parameters of the soil. This allows the farmer to have the results in real time (or in any case a few minutes after the analysis) without having to wait days (as in the current laboratory analysis method).
Elaisian – Il Sistema di Supporto alle Decisioni in agricoltura
Faire: Rome
Maker: Elaisian srl
Elaisian offers a precision agriculture service to prevent diseases in olive groves, vineyards, and almond orchards and to have a continuous decision support system (SSD) for field interventions. The service is based on SSDs related to pest management and SSDs related to satellite imagery (for all crops). This enables farmers to reduce phytosanitary treatments and optimize fertilization and irrigation.
Elaisian offers the installation of weather stations in the field connected to an app where notifications and alerts on pathogen development are sent. We have different types of services that allow us to give accessibility to farms of all sizes and therefore with different economic possibilities. The following sections are available in the app: 5-day weather forecast, self-set alerts (weather parameter, value range, message sending interval), notifications (non-severe messages on plant and pathogen development), alerts (threshold severity messages), field notebook (linked to algorithms), map and reports from satellite images.
The pathogen forecasting service is applied for olive groves, vineyards and almond orchards. Through the use of proprietary algorithms we are able to calculate the development of pathogens and plants, which, when correlated, allow us to calculate the infection rate of pathogens with high accuracy.
We also use satellite images to calculate vegetation and water indices that are useful for monitoring soils and always have a control for optimizing fertilization and irrigation.
LIGNOPACK – Bioplastic from food waste for food packaging
Faire: Rome
Maker: Università degli Studi della Tuscia
Every year in the field of food packaging synthetic additives are used for the development of plastic packaging, whose deleterious impact they have on the marine ecosystem and on human health is now known.
LIGNOPACK is proposed as a natural alternative to the current toxic additives being composed of natural substances: lignin and chitosan. The union of these two biopolymers as nanoparticles has allowed the development of a completely natural additive that can be used in food packaging, with great advantages in terms of sustainability, performance and cost-effectiveness.
“LIGNOPACK represents a biotechnological innovation aimed at the circular bioeconomy''.
