By Blake Jackson
A team of engineering and social science professors at UW-Stout is leading the charge in developing innovative technology solutions to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability in Wisconsin.
The project, funded by a $175,000 grant from the Universities of Wisconsin Innovation Grant, aims to create a customized, energy-efficient, and affordable wireless sensor network to support farmers in various sectors.
“These technologies are available now, but we want the data results to be useful to farmers at an affordable price," said Yuan Xing, a UW-Stout engineering professor leading the project. "This system is the first of its kind available to the farmers in Wisconsin. The uniqueness includes the energy-saving orientated AI algorithms and human-centered DIY hardware design.”
The team's approach is centered on a human-centered design philosophy, prioritizing the needs and preferences of farmers.
Tina Lee, an applied social science program director, conducted in-depth interviews with farmers to gain insights into their specific challenges and requirements.
“Farmers feel a great pressure to be profitable, while remaining environmentally friendly,” Lee said. “We need to understand their point of view, while making sure the technology is readily available at a low cost, is efficient, easy to use and easy to learn how to use."
Key Technologies and Innovations:
- Wireless Sensor Network: This energy-efficient network of sensors collects data on various environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, soil moisture, and light intensity. The data is then transmitted to a central hub for analysis.
- AI-Powered Data Analysis: Advanced AI algorithms are used to process and interpret the collected data, providing valuable insights to farmers. These insights can help farmers make informed decisions about irrigation, fertilization, and pest control.
- Autonomous Agricultural Robots: Autonomous robots equipped with sensors and AI capabilities can perform tasks such as weeding, harvesting, and data collection. These robots can significantly reduce labor costs and improve efficiency.
- Drone Technology: Drones can be used to capture high-resolution images and videos of fields, enabling farmers to monitor crop health, identify pests and diseases, and assess soil conditions.
By combining these technologies, the UW-Stout team aims to empower farmers with the tools they need to optimize their operations, reduce costs, and increase yields.
The project's focus on energy efficiency and affordability makes it accessible to a wide range of farmers, from small-scale producers to large-scale operations.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-seregalsv
Categories: Wisconsin, Education