Special Session: Intelligent Media and Autonomous Agents for Resilient Food Systems
Aim and Scope
Echoing the ICME 2026 theme of "Beyond Perception," this special session aims to push the boundaries of how intelligent systems interact with the physical world. While traditional multimedia technologies excel at observation, the complex and dynamic nature of global food systems requires a paradigm shift: from passive sensing to active, autonomous understanding and decision-making. We seek to explore the transformative potential where advanced AI agents not only perceive data but act upon it to ensure resilience, safety, and efficiency in an increasingly volatile environment.
The modern food ecosystem serves as a critical testbed for this technological evolution, offering rich challenges that span the entire spectrum of intelligent computing. From the microscopic analysis of biological spoilage using hyperspectral imaging to the macroscopic orchestration of global logistics via digital twins, the domain demands a holistic integration of technologies. We recognize that building resilient systems requires contributions from every layer of the technical stack—whether it involves enhancing sensor robustness in noisy industrial settings, developing zero-trust verification via blockchain, or creating large multimodal models (LMMs) for consumer interaction.
Consequently, our scope is intentionally broad and interdisciplinary. We invite researchers and practitioners to submit work that applies any facet of intelligent media or autonomous agents to the food and agricultural domain. We welcome innovations that address technical challenges in perception, cognition, and action, as well as those tackling systemic issues such as regulation, ethics, and sustainability. Whether your research focuses on precision agriculture, automated manufacturing, supply chain transparency, or personalized health, this session provides a premier forum for all efforts dedicated to securing the future of our food systems through intelligence.
