This week, Royal Brinkman and ADI have confirmed their collaboration to bring a new data collection technique for integrated crop protection to the market. Central to this is the use of a camera system mounted on the spray boom. This cooperation gives growers access to a new tool for detecting crop anomalies. In the future, the technology will help growers with automated scouting as well as advice regarding the right approach in the crop protection strategy.
ADI is a startup in Delft, founded in 2015, that focuses among others on the development and production of advanced camera techniques for imaging crops in greenhouses. Together with Royal Brinkman, ADI has been running a pilot since September 2020 at chrysanthemum grower Retine in Tuil, where together with mechanization company MT Pullens, this solution is being further developed in practice.
Advanced camera technology
Central to this innovation is the use of advanced camera technology mounted on the Alumaster 2.0 spraying robot. With this technique, camera images of the crop are made from above, continuously while the vehicle is in motion. These images generate an extensive data set for detecting crop abnormalities. This makes recognition at an early stage possible, which is crucial to be able to intervene at the first sign of damage. With this system, it is possible to get to all corners, hoods, and departments, in places that are difficult to reach for employees when cultivating a full field.
Scouting diseases and pests
The new technique will be used in the future for plant-level monitoring of the crop and automated scouting of diseases and pests. The next step within Royal Brinkman's crop protection digitization strategy is integration with MyScout, the online platform for visualization and data collection of diseases and pests and advice. Here the data is directly translated into the most optimal crop protection strategy.
Innovation
Royal Brinkman and ADI are very excited about the partnership. Together, they will enrich growers with accurate, reliable data that will provide new crop insights. The project is an example of Royal Brinkman innovation from Let's improve together, the method by which Royal Brinkman works together with growers and suppliers to improve horticulture. The innovation department now consists of five employees whose goal is to develop innovative solutions for a better and more sustainable horticultural sector.
For more information:
Royal Brinkman
[email protected]
www.royalbrinkman.com
Applied Drone Innovations (ADI)
www.applieddroneinnovations.nl