What’s happening?
La Trobe University, in collaboration with Far-North Queensland Ag-Tech company Aglantis, has developed a groundbreaking AI-powered smart irrigation system tailored for sugarcane farming.
This system, created by IoT researchers Kamyar Karimi and Aravindan Madasamy under the guidance of Professor Wei Xiang, aims to optimise water usage and crop management using AI and Internet of Things (IoT) technology.
Why it matters?
This innovation not only advances farming efficiency but also addresses critical environmental concerns, including reducing fertiliser run-off into the Great Barrier Reef.
By leveraging data-driven technology, it transforms traditional farming practices into more sustainable and productive methods.
Local Impact
The system is already operational on an 80-hectare sugarcane farm in the Burdekin region near Townsville, owned by Mark and Andrew Castelanelli.
Farmers like Mark, with over 55 years of experience, are embracing this purpose-built technology for the sugarcane industry to reduce costs, save time, and focus on other farming priorities.
By the Numbers:
- 15,000 kilometres: The distance Mark previously travelled annually to manually irrigate his crops, now eliminated by smart irrigation.
- 80 hectares: The size of the plot where the system is installed, showcasing its scalability.
- 6 kilometres: The radius within which irrigation was manually managed before this system’s automation.
Zoom In
Luke Malan, Aglantis Managing Director, described the technology as transformative, saying, “It essentially takes the guesswork out of farming. With growing pressures on profitability, it’s more imperative to know what you’re doing and how you can do it better. This flips conventional thinking on its head and opens the doorway to new possibilities.”
Professor Wei Xiang highlighted the broader potential of the system, stating, “Now we’ve proven the technology, the next step is to add additional features to improve productivity and crop yields through leveraging cutting-edge AI technology.”
Zoom Out
La Trobe University has emerged as a leader in AI research.
Beyond this irrigation system, its collaboration with the Australian Institute of Marine Science on the world’s first AI-powered 3D digital twin of the Great Barrier Reef underscores the institution’s commitment to sustainability.
The university’s “AI-first” approach also demonstrates its ambition to integrate artificial intelligence across research, education, and business operations.
What to Look For Next?
Future updates to the smart irrigation system are expected to include features like predictive maintenance, energy conservation linked to solar and tariff rates, and intelligent sequencing for optimised irrigation schedules.
These developments will further enhance its capability to revolutionise agriculture while promoting environmental sustainability.
By seamlessly merging AI, IoT, and sustainable farming, this innovation represents a pivotal moment for the agricultural industry, proving that technology and tradition can create a thriving future for farmers and the environment alike.
