(KMAland) — Researchers have been collecting data for centuries. Now, artificial intelligence can “learn” some of this information and use it for modern applications in agriculture.
Austin O'Brien is an associate professor of computer science at Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota. He says many colleges and universities use their trial crops and herds as a source of information, and now is the time to do all the research and data collection.
“So, whether it's having drones that can fly over these different fields, take pictures, identify where you might have crop damage, disease, pests, things like that, or you can soil. That nature may need to be improved,” O'Brien said. “That's where we're starting and then automating the process of having these machines on our own. That's a long-term goal that I think we have for automated things.”
Researchers are also looking at applications for using AI in animal production, O'Brien says.
“Being able to identify diseases as early as possible, maybe by getting images of them or other sensors like temperature and things like that,” he said, “so you can Being able to get in front of a disease and catch it on an animal before it spreads in the herd is much more than it might have or get it before.
While AI may be a relatively new tool, O'Brien says securing information is something he's been doing at Dakota State for years.
“I think that's something that we're known for, so along with artificial intelligence, we're trying to make sure that we're securing information and data and that Making sure all these tractors are secure. The information that's coming and going from them, and that control is secure from anyone trying to hack them,” O'Brien said. “It's just a very unusual angle — how their data will be used in AI if they want to help deliver that, and then how they can and will protect their machinery from attacks. “
O'Brien says using AI can create even greater precision for things like meeting nutrient requirements in livestock feed rations or applying crop protection products to fields.