Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly important tool in agriculture, helping farmers monitor crops, forecast yields, automate machinery and manage water and livestock more efficiently.

The technology has developed rapidly in recent years. At an agricultural expo in Izmir, Turkey, three years ago, artificial intelligence applications were largely limited to inventory calculations and specialist products displayed by smaller technology companies. Today, AI-based systems are moving closer to the centre of modern farming.

One of the fastest-growing applications is crop monitoring. Farmers traditionally rely on experience and regular field inspections to identify pests, diseases and other threats. Drones and satellites can now collect detailed images that are analysed by computer-vision systems.

These systems can identify signs of fungal infections and pest activity before they become obvious to farmers. Combined with soil sensors, the technology can provide additional information about field conditions and help determine where crop protection treatments may be required.

Yield forecasting is another area where AI is gaining ground. Sensor data and advanced models can help farmers estimate how much produce they are likely to harvest rather than simply measuring output after crops have been collected.

Syngenta has developed a generative AI system that it says can forecast yields with 95 percent accuracy while also providing recommendations on seed placement. Better forecasts can help farmers organise transportation, storage and sales in advance, potentially reducing losses and improving supply planning.

Robots take on more farm work

Agricultural machinery is also becoming more automated. Companies including John Deere are developing autonomous tractors, while Carbon Robotics has developed the LaserWeeder, which uses cameras, lasers and computing technology to identify and remove weeds.

The system uses 36 cameras, 24 lasers and 24 NVIDIA GPUs and can reportedly eliminate up to 10,000 weeds per minute across more than 100 crop types.

AI is also changing irrigation. Modern sensor systems can combine soil moisture readings, crop temperature and weather forecasts to determine how much water different parts of a field require.

Some deployments have reported water savings of around 30 percent while maintaining or increasing yields. Variable-rate spraying systems use similar principles to apply pesticides only where they are needed, reducing chemical use and creating records that can support regulatory requirements.

Livestock farming is another emerging area. Computer vision systems and wearable sensors can monitor animals for changes in movement, behaviour and vital signs.

These systems can identify potential health problems before visible symptoms develop, allowing farmers to respond earlier. Earlier detection can improve animal welfare while reducing unnecessary antibiotic use.As these technologies become more accessible, AI is increasingly moving from specialised agricultural applications into everyday farm operations, giving producers new ways to manage resources, reduce waste and improve productivity.

Nearly six terabytes of data allegedly stolen from Berlin’s state administration have been published on the dark web, exposing a large amount of sensitive information and raising concerns over the security of government systems.

The hacker group Rhysida is reported to have released about 1.44 million files containing information taken during a cyberattack on Berlin’s administration. The leaked material reportedly includes personal details belonging to state employees, such as birth certificates, telephone numbers, home addresses and documents that appear to contain employee absence records.

The scale of the disclosure has prompted warnings that the incident could have serious consequences for public officials and government security.

Among the files is a folder labelled “AG CBRN-Rahmenplanung.” CBRN refers to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats. The presence of documents connected to this area has raised particular concern because the material could potentially contain information about how authorities prepare for major security incidents.

Investigative journalist Lars Winkelsdorf warned on social media that the cyberattack was of a scale that could threaten the functioning of the state. The potential exposure of sensitive government information has also raised concerns about whether the material could be exploited by criminal groups, terrorists or foreign intelligence agencies.

Rhysida had previously threatened to release the stolen information unless Berlin’s administration paid a ransom of 30 Bitcoin, which was estimated at around €2 million. The hackers established a countdown as part of their demand, with the deadline expiring at about 3:35 p.m. on Friday.

Berlin’s Senate had stated before the deadline that it would not give in to the ransom demand, maintaining its position that the administration does not negotiate with criminals making such threats.

The hackers followed through shortly after the countdown ended, publishing the data package on the dark web. Members of the group have also begun distributing lists of filenames through social media, potentially making it easier for others to identify and access specific documents.

The release has intensified questions over the extent of the breach and whether additional confidential information could have been compromised. The reported presence of personal records also creates the possibility of identity theft, fraud and targeted attacks against affected employees.

Berlin authorities and political leaders have so far faced criticism over what observers describe as a limited public response to the incident.

Officials are expected to assess the leaked material, determine how much information was compromised and examine whether the stolen files contain further security-sensitive documents. The incident is likely to renew scrutiny of cybersecurity protections across government institutions as authorities work to understand the full impact of the breach.

Artificial intelligence is taking a larger role in household technology, with appliances, furniture, entertainment systems and even pet products becoming more connected and capable of responding to users’ needs.

At IFA 2026 in Berlin, more than 1,900 brands from 49 countries are presenting new products under the theme “The Future is Now.” The event, one of the world’s largest consumer electronics and home appliance fairs, highlights a shift from the traditional smart home toward what manufacturers describe as the intelligent home.

The concept goes beyond devices responding to commands. Companies are developing products that can recognise situations, learn preferences and assist with everyday decisions.

Haier, for example, is showcasing a washing machine equipped with a camera and AI technology that can identify clothes inside the drum. The system can warn users if an item such as a red sock has been placed among white clothing.

Haier Europe CEO Neil Tunstall said similar technology is being developed for cooking appliances, which can identify food and adjust settings to make preparing meals easier.

US company Cozyla is also demonstrating how AI could help organise household routines. Its IFA display presents a connected home where digital calendars coordinate family schedules, while recipes can be scanned to assist with meal planning and other household activities.

Technology is also moving into bedrooms. Hong Kong-based BestQi is displaying its AMADA Smart Adaptive Sleeping System, combining an adjustable bed with a mattress that uses sound and vibrations. Each side of the bed can be controlled independently, allowing users to select different positions and settings.

South Korean company Bodyfriend is showcasing advanced relaxation products, including its Quantum Beauty Capsule, which combines a massage chair with LED features for the face and scalp. Its Davinci AI model uses a fingertip sensor to collect biometric measurements such as heart rate and blood oxygen levels.

Home entertainment is another major focus. TCL is presenting connected gaming and display systems while also promoting technology designed to reduce screen distractions. Its NextPaper technology can turn a smartphone into a simplified reading device with fewer notifications and reduced blue light exposure.

The connected home is not limited to people. Singapore-based Petgugu is exhibiting smart pet products, including a self-cleaning cat toilet and a robot designed to collect pet hair and interact with animals while their owners are away.

Robotics is also represented by the MagicDog Y1, a four-legged robot designed for tasks such as following people, carrying equipment, monitoring areas and security work.

The products on display suggest that the future home may depend less on individual smart devices and more on systems that communicate with one another.

IFA 2026 runs until September 8, giving visitors an opportunity to explore developments in home appliances, entertainment, robotics and personal technology. Whether these innovations become everyday household products will ultimately depend on how consumers choose to adopt them.