2020-1.1.2-PIACI-KFI-2020-00097: Development of a precision pruning robot and an intelligent agricultural platform based on image processing and machine learning
Project ID number: 2020-1.1.2-PIACI-KFI-2020-00097
The title of the project is: Development of a precision pruning robot and an intelligent agricultural platform based on image processing and machine learning
Beneficiaries:
InnovITech Ltd.
SBS Szerelő, Javító és Szolgáltató Korlátolt Felelősségű Társaság
University of Pécs
Bay Zoltán Applied Research Public Benefit Nonprofit Limited Liability Company
The planned completion date of the project is: 2025.06.30.
The amount of the contracted aid: HUF 618 130 379
Bay Zoltán Nonprofit Ltd. the amount of aid granted to: 106 015 958 Ft
Bay Zoltán Nonprofit Ltd. aid intensity: 100%
Presentation of the project content:
The aim of our project is to implement a self-propelled, complex robotic solution capable of processing and analysing images captured by cameras to perform tasks in vineyards that require a lot of human resources, but are difficult to automate in terms of expert decision-making – pruning technology. The result will be a robotic solution with autonomous and vector-determining and execution capabilities, whose ‘knowledge’ can replace the expertise of experienced vineyard workers, thus reducing the growing skills and labour shortages in the field, and allowing pruning to be carried out at the optimal time for the crop, regardless of the weather.
Expectations:
– 24-hour uptime
– Performance comparable to human performance
– Stable, mobile self-propelled structure
– Multi-year yield study, optimisation of pruning method
– Plantation administration and viticultural decision support
– Pruning simulation training support
– Geographic data collection
– Efficiency and productivity control per vine.
The project is implemented in consortium, InnovITech Kft is responsible for the development of software solutions, relying on the viticulture expertise of the University of Pécs. The robotics expertise is provided by Bay Zoltán Applied Research Nonprofit Ltd., complemented by the competence of SBS Kft. in building a vehicle technology platform.
The end result can be further developed, reconfigured and adapted to perform specific learning processes, and can be used to perform other types of viticultural processes and work within other crops.
The development of a self-learning robot will also allow the application of pruning procedures that take into account the variety, capital condition, plant health characteristics, to ensure optimal yield and quality. The data and analyses collected will be used to support specific decisions for each region within the plantation or even at the capital level, facilitating the transition to precision farming.
