What Does a Modern Agricultural Farm Look Like in the Era of Educational Technology?

At the WIZO Youth Villages, agriculture is not only a tradition; it is a living, evolving educational environment where innovation and hands-on learning meet every single day.

One of the most significant initiatives in the WIZO Gan Vanof Youth Village is the Educational and Agricultural R&D Team, a group of dedicated students who develop practical projects based on artificial intelligence (AI) and smart systems for agricultural management.

Among the team’s most groundbreaking efforts is a new educational initiative aiming to integrate AI-powered humanoid robots into agricultural youth villages, positioning them as a central tool for learning, research, and daily agricultural practice.

The initiative is led by Tomer Zvi, Director of the Agricultural Farm at Gan Vanof, who brings extensive expertise in AI applications and agricultural education. He explains:
“At the heart of this initiative lies a holistic educational approach. The robot is not just a learning object; it is an active partner in managing the agricultural farm. Data collection from sensors, monitoring humidity, temperature, and sunlight, controlling irrigation systems, assisting students in gathering insights and presenting them… all of this is carried out by the smart robot, designed and operated by the students themselves as part of project-based learning (PBL).”

This project demonstrates how robotics and AI can be naturally integrated into agricultural environments, connecting science, engineering, sustainability, and education. It builds on the existing infrastructure at WIZO Gan Vanof, including greenhouses, hydroponic systems, a tissue-culture lab, a kennel, and a reptile room, creating a scalable model for additional youth villages.

According to Zvi, “The revolution is not the robots themselves, but the way they reshape our approach to teaching and agriculture. When learning meets technology and values meet innovation, a unique educational space emerges in which students don’t just consume knowledge, but develop thinking, responsibility, and the ability to influence the world around them.”

Kfir Warsh, a 9th-grade student in the R&D team, shares:
“In the beginning, we built a small prototype to understand how everything works, and then over the summer we started assembling the real robot. The work was challenging and very collaborative, and the moment the head started to move, it was unbelievable. Beyond robotics, we learned patience, teamwork, and creative thinking. These are skills I know will stay with us.”

Talia Gani-Or, a 10th-grade student and boarding school resident at Gan Vanof, adds her perspective:
“It was both fun and educational. I learned how to work together, handle challenges, and enter a world I didn’t know, robotics inside agriculture. It strengthened my sense of responsibility and analytical thinking, and I already feel that what we’re doing today will influence how we manage projects and make decisions in the future.”

WIZO’s Education Division places at its center the mission of shaping graduates who are values-driven, independent, scientifically minded, and equipped for leadership in a rapidly evolving technological world. According to Yifat Zilberman, Director of WIZO Gan Vanof Youth Village:
“Gan Vanof provides a unique foundation for practical learning, agricultural work, and the development of innovative educational technologies. The village functions as a holistic educational community where the agricultural farm, boarding school, and academic school collaborate as one in fulfilling our educational and innovative goals. This model creates meaningful learning environments rooted in hands-on experience, personal responsibility, and real-world challenges, preparing our students for adult life.”

National and International Recognition

The project has recently been selected to be presented at the EducAItion 2026 Fair, hosted by Israel’s Ministry of Education.

EducAItion 2026 is an international event dedicated to education in the age of artificial intelligence. The three-day fair features cutting-edge technological demonstrations, hands-on interactive experiences, and lectures by leading experts from the fields of education and high-tech. It is one of the Ministry’s flagship events, connecting pedagogy, innovation, and AI to showcase the future of learning in Israel.

The upcoming fair will take place in early 2026 in Jerusalem, marking significant national and international recognition of the Gan Vanof initiative and its contribution to the future of agricultural education.