DigiAgro: smart robots for more sustainable agriculture and horticulture

How can smart technology and robots help make agriculture and horticulture more sustainable? The DigiAgro project develops knowledge and technology for smart, autonomous robotic systems, also known as agrobots. These robots can support farmers and growers with a wide range of tasks, from detecting diseases and controlling weeds to harvesting fruit and monitoring crop growth. Working alongside businesses and knowledge institutions, DigiAgro is developing innovative applications that support precision farming and the continued development of the agricultural robotics sector.

Background to the project

Agriculture and horticulture face the challenge of making production more sustainable while using natural resources more efficiently. The transition towards circular agriculture calls for more careful use of resources such as water, fertilisers and nutrients. Precision farming can help by ensuring that tasks and treatments are carried out where and when they are needed, based on the specific needs of each crop.

This requires smart, autonomous robotic systems. Known as agrobots, these systems can help farmers and growers carry out targeted tasks and collect information about their crops. At the same time, finding enough skilled workers for labour-intensive tasks is becoming increasingly difficult. Examples include identifying diseased potato plants and harvesting delicate crops. Existing robotic technologies are not always suitable for changing conditions or handling fragile produce. DigiAgro brings together expertise in agriculture, robotics, artificial intelligence and digital technology to develop new solutions.

As part of this project, our research group is working on AI and computer vision techniques to identify diseased potato plants and detect weeds. This work involves researchers and project engineers from our research group, alongside students from the Master's programme in Computer Vision & Data Science and the Image Data minor.

Who is involved in the project?

DigiAgro is a partnership between six companies and five knowledge institutions. The partners combine their expertise in agricultural technology, robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, machine vision and software. Together, they are developing technologies that can be used in agriculture and horticulture.

At NHL Stenden, the Computer Vision & Artificial Intelligence professorship is involved in DigiAgro. Its work focuses on applying imaging technology and data analysis in agriculture and horticulture. Students from the Master's programme in Computer Vision & Data Science and the Image Data minor also contribute to this research.

Students from different degree programmes also work together to develop agrobots for agriculture and horticulture. As part of the Multidisciplinary Project (MDP), students from Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Biotechnology, Industrial Engineering and Management, and Mechanical Engineering contribute their own knowledge and expertise.

Mechanical Engineering students are also helping to design a hyperspectral camera setup for use in the field. This system can capture images of crops to monitor their growth and detect diseases at an early stage.

How is the project being carried out?

The project team is investigating four key technology areas: soft robotic grippers, image recognition, software and digital twinning, and intelligent robot control. These technologies will enable agrobots to observe crops, process information, make decisions and carry out tasks accurately.

The knowledge gained is being applied to four prototypes: a tractor-mounted system that identifies diseased seed potato plants, a system in which collaborating drones detect and selectively treat weeds, a robot that carefully harvests ripe fruit, and an autonomous system that monitors crop growth and condition.

The prototypes are being developed and tested in realistic environments, such as greenhouses and experimental fields. At NHL Stenden, the Computer Vision & Artificial Intelligence professorship connects research, education and professional practice. Students work alongside researchers on real-world challenges, putting new knowledge directly into practice. The results of these experiments help the team refine and further test the technologies.

Project partners

Companies:

• ABDrone
• Batenburg Beenen
• Demcon
• GroeNoord
• Smart Agri Technology
• Track32

Knowledge institutions:

• Hanze University of Applied Sciences
• Saxion University of Applied Sciences
• University of Groningen (RUG)
• TNO
• NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences

Publications

DigiAgro is making progress in developing technologies for agrobots in agriculture and horticulture. Datasets have been collected from experimental fields, and work is underway on a range of technological applications. These include hyperspectral imaging to monitor crops and detect diseases, intelligent robot control and software that enables agricultural tasks to be carried out with greater precision.

NHL Stenden's Computer Vision & Artificial Intelligence professorship is also contributing to these developments. The knowledge gained and research findings are documented and shared through scientific publications, research papers and posters. This allows other researchers, businesses and organisations to build on the insights gained through DigiAgro.