Automated per-plot leaf-level imaging and analysis for small plot arable field trials

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

CHALLENGE The FAO estimates that food production needs to increase 70% by 2050 to achieve global food security. Development of new crop varieties, agrochemicals and crop management techniques are key to increasing food productivity and reducing environmental impact. They rely on multi-phase testing; initially lab based, in greenhouses, then in field trials across multiple soil types and climates. The 4 largest Ag companies have a combined R&D budget of over $5bn:* In the UK; NIAB run 150,000+ plots, Agrii, 40,000+* Worldwide; UPL run 1500 multi-plot trials, Syngenta run 114 R&D sitesTrials programmes are in desperate need of innovation, As most monitoring is still done visually, manually, and in-person. SOLUTION Drone tech and AI image analysis can provide more frequent monitoring with notable time and cost savings over other techniques (up to 30x faster) plus uniform data capture/analysis for faster product development and better environmental profiles. Micro-SME business, Drone Ag will develop a new trials plot imaging and analysis system to deliver unique per-plot, extreme high resolution analytics within minutes. Through this technology, Drone Ag will enable:* Workforce upskilling; freed from manual trial evaluation by eye.* Rapid chemical and breeding iteration through time/cost saving.* Data provision, feeding new AI models for companies who previously could not repeatedly gather uniform data at such a low cost/high volume ratio.Since this would replace current practice with a more efficient, detailed system, this solution is highly innovative, disruptive and would be highly sought-after. We will be making use of feedback from key industry stakeholders throughout the project and beyond, to ensure the solution meets their requirements. The project will deliver economic benefits to and end-users, and the wider supply-chain.I would translate to wider benefits for the population as a whole including healthier and cleaner air, water and food.