Artificial Intelligence Will Transform Blueberry Monitoring

A notable example is the innovative project developed by Cristhian Aguilera, Electronic Civil Engineer and Doctor in Engineering Sciences from the University of Bío-Bío (UBB).

22/05/2024

Dr. Cristhian Aguilera - image: bionoticias.cl

La artificial intelligence (AI) It has become a crucial ally for the agricultural sector, especially in fruit production. A notable example is the innovative project developed by Christian Aguilera, Electronic Civil Engineer and Doctor in Engineering Sciences from the University of Bío-Bío (UBB).

The project, called “Characterization of the blueberry cultivation process through 3D multispectral image analysis and deep learning techniques”, seeks to transform crop monitoring and management through advanced drone technologies. Chile, as one of the largest exporters of blueberries to markets such as the United States, China, Australia and Europe, must ensure that this fruit, highly demanded for its antioxidant properties, arrives ripe and in good condition.

This is the main objective of Aguilera's research, who explained that "it is a project that aims to permanently monitor and characterize blueberries, providing key information about the state of maturity of the fruits and supporting planning processes." harvest logistics.

Dr. Cristhian Aguilera Project: “Characterization of the blueberry cultivation process through 3D multispectral image analysis and deep learning techniques”
image: UBB Engineering Faculty (fi.ubiobio.cl)

The system works through drones that periodically tour the crops, capturing images and recording each stage of blueberry growth.

This information is delivered online through an application, allowing you to know the state of the fruit and determine the optimal point for the final harvest.

Aguilera highlighted that “the information provided by the drone sensors in blueberry crops, in addition to the visual inspection of growth and production estimation, can alert about possible pests or climatic aspects, such as frosts that can damage the floral tissue of Fruit". She added that the initiative seeks to establish intelligent vision systems that allow cameras to capture their environment in a multidimensional and multispectral manner, making advanced autonomous decisions, similar to the capacity of a human expert in the field.

image: bionoticias.cl

The constant delivery of data to the system acts as a continuous training process for the AI, with progressive improvements. This ensures that devices can run models smoothly, maintaining a reliable and efficient operating margin.

The Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of the UBB, Patricio Alvarez, highlighted that this type of project allows AI capabilities to be transferred directly to an industry with competitiveness gaps that can be addressed through innovation and the use of technology.

Patricio Alvarez Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Bío-Bío (UBB)
image: UBB Engineering Faculty (fi.ubiobio.cl)

“This is our opportunity so that, through the knowledge we have developed over the years, we can add value and competitiveness to the production processes of our regions,” he stated.

This initiative marks a milestone for the UBB in the integration of technology to improve agricultural productivity, positioning artificial intelligence as an indispensable tool on the path towards smart agriculture.