In Georgia, the agricultural landscape is poised for transformation thanks to advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, particularly in onion farming. The Vidalia onion growers, who cultivate the only onions of their kind in the U.S., are faced with the challenge of meeting the high demand that extends across the continent. Smaller farms, in particular, encounter difficulties due to the prohibitive costs of advanced automation technologies. However, a promising solution has emerged through the efforts of tech start-up InversAI, backed by the Georgia Research Alliance (GRA).
InversAI, based at the University of Georgia’s (UGA) Innovation District, has developed an affordable robotic automation system capable of working alongside human labourers on existing conveyor lines. Founder and President Prashant Doshi noted that the robot is designed to step in during peak demand periods or when labour shortages arise. Employing high-resolution cameras, the system identifies defective onions on conveyor belts, using a robotic arm to separate these blemished products for further examination. Meanwhile, quality onions continue down the line to be packed for distribution. “U.S. Grade 1 quality control only allows for a small fraction of defective onions, so being able to sort the onions for defective and non-defective is an important task, post-harvest,” Doshi explained.
The GRA's Greater Yield Initiative has been instrumental in this development, providing not just funding but also mentorship and essential connections to facilitate the commercialisation of this technology. Currently, the technology is undergoing on-site research and development trials, with the potential for future iterations to detect internal blemishes by incorporating advanced imaging technology. Doshi indicated that the system may eventually be adapted for sorting various other vegetables.
Tim Denning, the GRA president and CEO, elaborated on the organisation's broader mission to harness the capabilities of Georgia’s academic resources, stating that the GRA's investments aim to create new businesses that can enhance the state’s economy. This supports workforce development, encouraging companies to establish roots in Georgia while cultivating a skilled labour pool.
As technology progresses, it has not only been central to agriculture but has also addressed pressing human needs in various sectors. For instance, EarliTec, another entity emerging from GRA support, has created a diagnostic tool for autism that employs advanced eye-tracking technology. This device enables clinicians to assess children’s visual information processing abilities at a much younger age, which research has shown can significantly impact a child’s long-term development and educational outcomes.
Beyond health and agriculture, the GRA is also involved in innovative biofuel research. C. Robin Buell, now a GRA Eminent Scholar at UGA, is investigating ways to genetically modify poplar trees to produce jet fuel. This research could lead to sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, marking a new frontier in bioenergy production. By altering the genetic makeup of these trees, researchers aim to create plants that yield more usable biomass for various applications, including energy.
Additionally, another project emerging from the GRA’s ecosystem involves Cognosos, a company founded through a partnership at Georgia Tech’s Advanced Technology Development Center. Jim Stratigos, once an entrepreneur in residence there, collaborated with engineering professor Mary Ann Weitnauer to explore how low-cost radio technology could enhance agricultural practices, leading to the development of innovative tracking and asset protection solutions for companies.
Together, these initiatives exemplify the intersection of innovative technologies, research, and economic development in Georgia, demonstrating how universities and start-ups can collaborate to form practical solutions that meet current and future needs in various industries. These developments illustrate a growing trend in AI-driven automation within the agricultural sector and beyond, promising to reshape business practices and operational efficiency while addressing essential human requirements.
Source: Noah Wire Services