Verbundvorhaben
Optoelektronische Sensoren
für anwendungsnahe Systeme
Mitglied des Netzwerkes
Mitglied des Netzwerkes
In view of increased competition and growing dependence on world market prices, most agricultural businesses have increasingly developed into agile medium-sized commercial enterprises, moving away from small farms that were mostly run as a sideline.
Digital automation in agricultural businesses has the potential to fundamentally change the agricultural sector. It can help farmers achieve higher and better yields and feed the growing world population in a resource-efficient and sustainable manner by making optimal use of available farmland, using environmentally friendly inputs, and efficiently addressing climate fluctuations through smart irrigation and site-specific application technologies. Soil sensors, camera-equipped drones, and field robots that mow, hoe, harvest, and specifically detect weeds are transforming labor-intensive manual work in agriculture into a field of innovation and research for technological progress. Recent studies show a billion-dollar potential for smart, scalable agricultural technologies.
An intelligent and responsible approach to nature and our resources can be achieved through sensor technology and artificial intelligence. The latest photonic sensor technologies with object recognition, which can distinguish between crops and weeds, detect plant diseases, and optimally estimate nutrient deficiencies and water requirements in order to achieve optimal harvest results, are more beneficial to farmers than the previous preventive large-scale use of harmful pesticides, excessive fertilizer use, or water waste.
Advanced measurement methods, precision sprayers, and mobile drones coupled with data-driven AI ensure that plants receive exactly the right input, in the right place, at the right time. This results in higher and better yields, reduced emissions, and less harmful effects on the environment and our quality of life. Technological innovations save money in the long term, are sustainable, and increase agricultural yields.
Application example: Object recognition and intelligent sensor technology in agriculture
Detection of different plant species, estimation of fruit ripeness, detection of pest infestation, etc.
