Ai-powered holographic sensor for real-time spray optimization
A compact AI-powered digital inline holography sensor optimizes pesticide spray by measuring droplet sizes in real-time, reducing waste and environmental impact. It offers precise control over spray parameters, ensuring uniform coverage and compliance with regulations.
Overview
The AI-powered holographic sensor offers a revolutionary solution for real-time optimization of pesticide spray applications. By employing digital inline holography (DIH) combined with deep learning, it accurately measures spray droplet size distributions under field conditions. This enables dynamic adjustments to spray flow rate, modes, and vehicle/drone operations. The result is enhanced coverage uniformity, reduced chemical waste, and prevention of off-target contamination, all contributing to sustainable agriculture and regulatory compliance.
Technical specifications
- AI-powered holography: Integrates deep learning with holographic imaging to classify droplet sizes and detect anomalies.
- Real-time adjustments: Allows for dynamic modification of spray parameters, including flow rate and nozzle settings, to adapt to environmental changes.
- Compact and cost-effective: Designed as a low-cost, field-deployable sensor that seamlessly integrates with existing pesticide application equipment.
- Software capabilities: Features an intuitive GUI and utilizes cloud or edge-computing GPUs for rapid data processing and analysis.
Technology readiness level
Currently at Technology Readiness Level 4, the sensor has demonstrated high-precision droplet characterization in laboratory settings. The next developmental phase involves creating a prototype for real-time field deployment, with performance evaluation planned in collaboration with agricultural partners like Valent. This phase will focus on validating droplet size accuracy, optimizing spray parameters, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
About University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota is a flagship, comprehensive public research university spanning multiple campuses, with a large research enterprise and clinical integration. Industry engages through co-located labs on the Twin Cities campuses, access to an academic health system for clinical translation, and pilot and field-testing facilities that speed scale-up. A statewide extension network and outreach centers provide real-world sites and data partnerships across Minnesota, while proximity to a dense medtech and Fortune 500 corridor enables frequent collaboration. Research is supported by competitive federal funding, including NIH, NSF, DOE, USDA, and DoD. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, sponsored research agreements, and startup incubation to speed commercialization.
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