AI and Drones Take Flight in CQUniversity’s World-first Weed Control Breakthrough
Description
CQUniversity's tech experts are supporting farmers to target weeds with an AI-driven and drone-delivered solution. Each year Australian farmers battle a $5 billon dollar war against weeds every year. Using advanced robotics, drone engineering and agronomic design the the innovation project builds on previous work to develop a world-first proto-type that integrates image processing, AI, GPS and lightweight autonomous drones for precision herbicide spraying.
Partners
Camzilla, Impexpo Pty Ltd
ConnectAuz Pty Ltd
Foxwell Farms
DQ Commodities
Logical Analysis
Northern Territory’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
Researchers
Dr Nahina Islam
Dr Jahan Hassan
Associate Professor Biplob Ray
Dr Md Nurun Nabi
Dr Lasi Piyathilaka
Dr Zhenglin Wang
Associate Professor Surya Bhattarai
Impact
Australian farmers battle a $5 billion dollar war against weeds every year. Traditional methods to combat weed infestations, such as blanket herbicide spraying, are costly and harmful to the environment. Together, the team aims to advance the green and cost-saving technology to commercialisation, helping to deliver sustainable, cost-effective solutions for the agricultural sector.
CQUniversity tech experts are supporting farmers to target weeds with an AI-driven and drone-delivered solution – and the innovative world-first approach has been backed by fresh Federal Government funding.
A new $1,136,194 grant will help take the smart approach to patent and commercialisation, after Central Queensland field trials proved successful in cotton crops earlier this year.
The CQU project offers Australian farmers a green and cost-saving game-changer in their $5 billion battle against weeds every year.
The new two-year research initiative is aimed at transforming weed management practices through advanced technology.
The innovative project builds on previous work developing a world-first prototype that integrates image processing, AI, GPS and lightweight autonomous drones for precision herbicide spraying.
Explore CQUniversity projects across agriculture and innovation at CQU’s Institute for Future Farming Systems and Centre for Machine Learning – Networking and Education Technology.
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