The partners are:
Crop Health and Protection (CHAP) – an agri-tech centre funded by Innovate UK
Small Robot Company (SRC) – agri-tech start-up
Cosmonio – deep learning computer vision start-up
AV and N Lee – agricultural contracting
The aim is autonomous slug monitoring and precision application of ‘bio-molluscicides’, with early field trials next summer.
“I travelled the world in 2018 as a Nuffield Farming scholar and noticed a gap in the market for autonomous slug monitoring,” said project lead Dr Jenna Ross of CHAP. “In addition, bio-molluscicides are currently too expensive for use in arable crops. Therefore, this project opens up an opportunity for farmers.”
Small Robot company already has farming robot prototypes .
“Robotic slug control is a natural next step for Small Robot Company,” said its Ben Scott-Robinson. “Precision robotics has tremendous potential for agriculture across the board. Slugs are a terrible bane for farmers. They can decimate emerging crops and have a significant impact on yield. But treatment is problematic. Both water and wildlife have been impacted by chemical methods.”
Phase one of the SlugBot project will focus on developing the artificial intelligence slug detection capability, including with multi-spectral imagery.
Phase two is intended to detect slugs using hyper-spectral imagery, artificial intelligence and SRC’s ‘Tom’ robot (photo above). “Mobile imaging of slugs and field-surface materials in glasshouse conditions is anticipated by autumn 2020. The detection and mapping of slug infestations is anticipated to be delivered in-field in spring 2021,” according to SRC.
Phase three will add precision spraying using SRC’s ‘Dick’ crop-care robot prototype (left) for autumn 2021.
A later version of Dick is intended to enter commercial service, initially for non-chemical weeding, and then for slug control.
“Working together in partnership with British start up RootWave, SRC has already successfully development of its ‘Dick’ non-chemical weeding robot prototype to in-lab proof of concept stage, ‘technology readiness level’ (TRL) 4,” according to SRC. “An initial prototype of the non-chemical weeding will go into field trials in 2020, with the commercial weed zapping service anticipated to be available from autumn 2021.”
Artist’s impression of commercial Dick agri-robot
The longer term plan is to deliver arable crop care and protection including handling all pests and diseases as well as no-till precision planting.
“Our robots are the tractors of the future,” said
Part funding has been provided through an Innovate UK SMART call, and will run for 18 months from 01 April 2020.
Source: This news has been taken from www.electronicsweekly.com
