Chinese researchers from Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences have developed a robot that can identify plants in different growth stages just by touching them with an electrode. The robot can also measure the surface texture and water content of the plant, making it suitable for agricultural use. The electrode that touches a plant leaf measures several properties simultaneously. This includes the amount of charge that can be stored at a specific voltage. Additionally, it measures how difficult it is for electric current to pass through the leaf. The contact force is also measured when the robot grips a leaf.
The data collected is analyzed using Artificial Intelligence (AI). This allows the plant to be classified and assigned to different growth phases that correlate with the respective measurements. The robot can currently identify ten different plant species with an average accuracy of 97.7%. The recognition accuracy also depends on the complexity of the plant structures. For instance, it currently cannot recognize plants like thistles or conifers. The researchers state that further work is needed to improve the design of the robot electrode.
The researchers aim to increase the number of plants that can be identified. They plan to train the AI system with more plant data. They also want to develop the sensor so that it can provide real-time data, as the system currently requires some time to gather information. A potential application for this technology is in agriculture. Farmers could use it to monitor plant growth. Decisions on water and fertilizer needs could be made more precisely and quickly. This could also help in early detection of pests, allowing for timely intervention.
The researchers see several advantages in their technology compared to non-contact systems that rely solely on visual methods and AI. These systems are more susceptible to disturbances such as lighting conditions, weather changes, or background noise. The touch-based approach of the new robot offers a more reliable alternative for plant identification and monitoring in diverse agricultural settings.
This innovative approach could revolutionize how farmers manage their crops, leading to more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices. By providing accurate and timely data on plant health and growth, the robot could help optimize resource use and improve crop yields. The development of such technology highlights the potential of combining robotics and AI to address real-world challenges in agriculture.
As the technology progresses, it might become a standard tool in precision agriculture, offering insights that were previously difficult to obtain. The integration of this robot into farming practices could lead to smarter, data-driven decisions that enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impact. The ongoing research and development efforts aim to refine the system, making it more versatile and accessible for widespread use in the agricultural industry.
In summary, the touch-sensitive robot developed by Chinese researchers represents a significant advancement in plant monitoring technology. Its ability to accurately classify plants and assess their growth stages through tactile sensing offers a promising solution for modern agriculture. As further improvements are made, this technology could become an invaluable asset for farmers, helping them to achieve better crop management and sustainability.