Since its launch four years ago, agri tech company Aerobotics has been working on algorithms to improve the interpretation of aerial data. James Paterson, Andrew Sheard and Marloe van Niekerk spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the software.
Today, thanks to digital precision and flexibility, it is possible to measure almost any parameters with an accuracy unimaginable a few years ago. While this promises drastic improvements in efficiency, there is a risk that businesses can become overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of new data. Agri tech company Aerobotics has sought to address this issue in the agriculture sector through developing software that allows farmers to make better sense of aerial survey data.
James Paterson, co-founder and CEO of Aerobotics, explains that the system keeps track of the health of each tree in an orchard by analysing data gathered by ordinary and multispectral cameras.
“The programme uses artificial intelligence to detect pest and disease problems by distinguishing between healthy and stressed trees. By bringing farmer validation into the loop, Aerobotics gets smarter all the time, which benefits all the growers on our platform.”
According to Paterson, the software can identify the plant-damaging disease Phytophthora solely by analysing aerial data, and he and his colleagues are refining the system to identify other threats.
GLOBAL INTEREST
The Aerobotics system has attracted great interest from investors, with the company raising over R24 million in start-up funding from various parties, including Nedbank and 4Di Capital locally, and AgFunder and AngelList in the US.
“We’re using the funding for the commercialisation of the software, both locally and overseas, as well as to continue product development to make sure we’re adding as much value as possible for farmers,” says Paterson.
He claims that 40% of the South African macadamia nut industry and 20% of the country’s citrus farmers are already using his company’s software. Moreover, it has also been tailored to the unique requirements of the wine grape and pome fruit industries.
Denne historien er fra October 26, 2018-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra October 26, 2018-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
