Smart Ag Robots and AI Apps Boost Field Learning for Crops

By Blake Jackson

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping modern agriculture, and at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, students are seeing that transformation firsthand not behind desks, but out in the field. Brandt Berghuis, an assistant professor of crop science, says AI-powered tools are becoming central to crop production and research.

“AI is really transforming agriculture,” Berghuis said. “Things are changing really fast, especially in the field. We have drones now that fly over fields and use AI to do plant health ratings.”

Beyond drones, autonomous solar-powered robots are being deployed to move through fields, detect weeds, and spray only where needed. “It can optimize spray technologies by targeting just the weeds, reducing the need to spray,” Berghuis explained. Students are also using smartphone apps that identify plants and weeds instantly, helping them build practical skills with emerging tools.

“Artificial intelligence is changing the field, not just on computers,” Berghuis said. “For us to get out to the field and see some of these things in action one, it's imperative, and two, it's just fun for our students.”

Industry collaboration plays a major role in keeping coursework current. Partnerships with WinField United’s Innovation Center in River Falls - staffed in part by UWRF alumni - give students direct exposure to advanced equipment and methods.

“One year, they are your students, then a year or two later, they’re your colleagues and you’re working with them every day in the field, which is really fun,” Berghuis said. “They take our students out into the field and they light up with passion explaining what they have learned to the next generation of people in the ag industry.”

Alumni say the exchange benefits everyone. “Working with students is incredibly rewarding,” said Lee Boles. Others highlight AI-driven drones and data tools now used daily. Students involved in drone-based sunflower disease research say the experience provides a competitive edge and clearer career direction before graduation.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-scharfsinn86