Integrated Human-Augmented Robotics and Intelligent Sensing Platform for Precision Viticulture

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This project aims to revolutionize the way high-value horticultural crops such as grapes, berries, and other fruits are grown by developing and implementing a precision farming ecosystem. The ecosystem consists of three main components: image spectral analysis for monitoring crop health, precision manipulation and perception system with virtual reality interface, and cloud-connected AI.The initial research and trials will address the viticulture industry. The project involves a collaboration between Extend Robotics (ER), Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and a UK vineyard, Saffron Grange (SG). QMUL is a world-leading research university that is committed to making a positive impact on the world through research and innovation. QMUL's expertise in remote sensing and image spectral analysis is critical to the project's success. ER is a UK-based start-up that specializes in developing virtual reality-based teleoperation systems for remote manipulation of robots. ER's expertise in precision manipulation and perception systems is essential to the development of the modular robotic hardware system with human equivalent manipulation robotic arms and cameras. The collaboration between QMUL and ER brings together the necessary expertise to develop the cloud-connected AI components that will enable the robotic automation of general tasks such as pruning and harvesting in viticulture. This will provide immediate benefits to SG as the test bed provider as well providing benefits to the wider UK viticulture industry through published research and business case development of precision agriculture practices.Our technology will allow growers to remotely monitor crop health, identify potential issues early on, and take appropriate action, resulting in better overall crop quality and higher yields. The precision manipulation and perception system with a VR interface will enable growers to perform tasks such as pruning and harvesting more efficiently and accurately, reducing labour costs and reliance on foreign labour. The cloud-connected AI components will help to automate general tasks and improve the efficiency of their operations over time. Through the use of these cutting-edge technologies, we will be able to:* Reduce reliance on seasonal labour* Reduce input and labour costs* Increase yields.* Reduce emissions and environmental impact.* Improve overall crop quality.This will bring significant benefits to the viticulture industry in the UK, making it more competitive and sustainable, while also contributing to the growth of the UK economy. This project has the potential to significantly improve the productivity and sustainability of the UK horticultural industry while also providing a competitive edge in the global market.