You are viewing a single comment's thread from:

RE: LeoThread 2024-10-24 11:17

in LeoFinance14 days ago (edited)

Crop-spraying robot is designed to reduce emissions and use less herbicide

The spraying of orchards and vineyards certainly isn't an eco-friendly process, with tractors spewing exhaust as they douse crops in herbicides and pesticides. That's one of the main reasons the electric, autonomous Prospr robot was created.

Manufactured by New Zealand agritech company Robotics Plus, the all-wheel-drive robotic vehicle was unveiled last September at the FIRA agricultural robotics show in California. It's now in commercial use in New Zealand, Australia and the US.

#agritech #robots #agriculture #ecology #newsonleo

Sort:  

Among other features, the robot sports a refillable spray tank, multiple spray fans, a diesel generator, a battery pack, and four knobby-tired wheels which are each independently driven by their own electric motor.

For relatively short spray jobs, Prospr can operate on battery power alone. The generator kicks in for longer jobs, producing electricity that reportedly allows the bot to work all day long without recharging or refueling. As a result, Prospr is claimed to use up to 72% less fuel than a traditional diesel tractor performing the same task.

Guided by GPS, the robot makes its way up and down rows of vines or trees, spraying the crops along either side of itself as it goes. It utilizes a combination of LiDAR sensors and cameras to detect and identify any obstacles in its path, slowing down or stopping as necessary.

Prospr additionally has a pressure-sensitive front bumper, which triggers the bot to stop if it encounters significant resistance. If all else fails, there's also an on-vehicle emergency stop button.

What is Agritech?

Agritech is a rapidly growing field that combines cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, data analytics, precision farming, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to improve agricultural productivity, efficiency, and sustainability.

Here are some key aspects of agritech:

  1. Precision Agriculture: This involves using advanced technologies like drones, satellite imaging, sensors, and GPS to collect data on soil moisture, temperature, crop health, and other factors that affect crop growth. This data is then used to optimize crop yields, reduce waste, and predict weather patterns.
  2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Agriculture: AI is being used to analyze large datasets related to agriculture, such as weather patterns, soil conditions, and crop health. This information is used to predict crop yields, detect pests and diseases, and optimize irrigation systems.
  1. Internet of Things (IoT) in Agriculture: IoT involves using sensors and other devices to collect data on various aspects of agriculture, such as soil moisture, temperature, and crop health. This data is then used to optimize farming practices and reduce waste.
  2. Robotics in Agriculture: Autonomous farming systems are being developed to automate tasks such as planting, pruning, and harvesting. These systems use sensors, GPS, and AI to navigate and perform tasks with precision.
  3. Vertical Farming: This involves growing crops in vertically stacked layers, often in indoor environments, to increase yields while reducing land use and environmental impact.
  1. Blockchain in Agriculture: blockchain technology is being used to track the origin, quality, and movement of agricultural products, from farm to table.
  2. Big Data in Agriculture: The use of big data analytics to analyze large datasets related to agriculture, such as weather patterns, soil conditions, and crop health.

Applications of Agritech:

  1. Crop yield Optimization: Agritech solutions can help optimize crop yields by analyzing data on weather patterns, soil conditions, and crop health.
  2. Water Conservation: Agritech solutions can help reduce water waste by optimizing irrigation systems and predicting soil moisture levels.
  3. Pest and Disease Management: Agritech solutions can help detect pests and diseases earlier, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and improving crop yields.
  1. Supply Chain Management: Agritech solutions can help track the origin, quality, and movement of agricultural products, reducing the risk of contamination and improving food safety.
  2. Livestock Monitoring: Agritech solutions can help monitor Animal health, behavior, and nutrition, improving livestock productivity and reducing waste.

Agritech Companies:

  1. John Deere's FarmSight: A platform that uses data analytics and AI to optimize crop yields and reduce waste.
  2. Granular: A company that uses data analytics and machine learning to optimize crop yields and reduce waste.
  3. FarmWise: A company that uses AI and robotics to automate farming tasks such as weeding and pruning.
  4. Vertical Farming Systems: A company that uses hydroponics and aeroponics to grow crops in vertically stacked layers.
  5. AgriWeb: A platform that uses data analytics and AI to optimize crop yields and reduce waste.

Benefits of Agritech:

  1. Increased Efficiency: Agritech solutions can help automate farming tasks, reducing labor costs and improving productivity.
  2. Improved Crop Yields: Agritech solutions can help optimize crop yields, reducing waste and improving food security.
  3. Reduced Environmental Impact: Agritech solutions can help reduce waste, conserve water, and minimize the use of chemical pesticides.
  4. Improved Food Safety: Agritech solutions can help track the origin, quality, and movement of agricultural products, reducing the risk of contamination.
  5. Enhanced Decision-Making: Agritech solutions can provide farmers with data-driven insights, improving decision-making and reducing risk.

Challenges and Limitations:

  1. High Initial Costs: Agritech solutions can be expensive, making them inaccessible to small-scale farmers.
  2. Data Management: Agritech solutions require large amounts of data, which can be challenging to manage and analyze.
  3. Cybersecurity Risks: Agritech solutions can be vulnerable to cybersecurity risks, such as hacking and data breaches.
  4. Regulatory Frameworks: Agritech solutions may require new regulatory frameworks to ensure food safety and environmental sustainability.
  5. Public Acceptance: Agritech solutions may require changes to traditional farming practices, which can be challenging for farmers to adopt.