A Sonar Sensing System for Crop Yield Estimation

Introduction

With the rapidly growing world population, accelerated climate changes, and global migration, nutritional security is a major challenge. This situation calls for fast development and utilization of agricultural technology that will push agricultural yield production to its full potential.

Importance of Yield Estimation

Yield estimation in agricultural production is thus central for both agricultural planning as well as for successful agroeconomic management. Despite its importance, agricultural yield estimation is currently almost solely done manually without assisting technology, and it is therefore inaccurate and limited to small areas.

Proposed Solution

To meet this challenge, we offer a unique sonar sensing system for large-scale, rapid yield estimation. Our technology, as demonstrated in a recent peer-reviewed paper and in additional preliminary studies, has unparalleled advantages compared to other sensors.

Advantages of Sonar-Based Technology

The sonar-based crop estimating sensor has been patented, and initial tests show that it is capable of estimating pepper and tomato yields with approximately 90% accuracy under laboratory conditions. The technology has several advantages over pursued optical-based solutions, including:

• The ability to penetrate the vegetation
• Functionality under all lighting conditions

Project Goals

In the proposed project, we will expand those tests to additional key vegetables, e.g., cucumbers, and elaborate our approach to make it functional under field conditions, aiming to provide farmers with a reliable tool for crop estimation.

Team Composition

Our team is composed of sonar, agriculture, robotics, and business experts, covering all of the needs of the project. We will collaborate with agri-robotics companies and agricultural stakeholders in the EU to fulfill the goals of our PoC project.

Future Outlook

The project will ultimately lead to the necessary steps for establishing a spin-off company that will exploit this invention and provide a product to the benefit of European and worldwide farmers.