Odour-based detection of microbial activity in agriculture
The dot™ VOC sensing device detects microbial activity in agricultural systems by identifying unique VOCs. Equipped with sensor arrays and machine learning, it offers real-time, remote monitoring, reducing labor costs and enhancing decision-making.
Overview
The dot™ volatile organic compound (VOC) sensing device is an innovative solution designed for monitoring microbial activity in agricultural systems. Utilizing a sophisticated array of sensors and advanced machine learning algorithms, the device can sensitively and specifically detect unique VOCs emitted by various targets including bacteria, viruses, and parasitic infections. This capability is particularly targeted at soil microbes, offering a groundbreaking approach to agricultural monitoring.
Technical specifications
Each dot™ unit comprises a sensor array, printed circuit board, battery pack, and transmission module, all housed in a durable casing. The system is designed to operate autonomously in the soil, routinely sampling VOCs without the need for manual intervention after deployment. The data collected is transmitted remotely and can be integrated into existing farm connectivity systems, providing near-real-time insights through a user-friendly dashboard. This setup is intended to be easy to install and use, even in environments with limited technical support, significantly reducing labor costs and processing delays traditionally associated with microbial monitoring.
Technology readiness level
Currently at Technology Readiness Level 3, the dot™ device has undergone initial proof-of-concept validation. Future plans include extensive odor profiling, sensor selection refinement, machine learning model development, and comprehensive field testing to further advance the device towards commercial readiness.
About Digital Odour Technologies
Digital Odour Technologies, operating under the brand dot, is a technology company that develops artificial intelligence-powered digital scent intelligence solutions. The company's core technology, dot.core™, is a proprietary intelligence engine designed to capture, structure, and analyze chemical signals from volatile organic compounds (VOCs). By integrating biology, chemistry, data science, and AI, the platform transforms these airborne signatures into predictive, actionable intelligence. This system is built to identify patterns associated with pests, pathogens, and environmental risks, enabling users to move from reactive responses to proactive protection across sectors including agriculture, human health, animal health, and environmental monitoring. The technology bridges the gap between laboratory research and real-world deployment, using a combination of sensor arrays and machine learning to improve accuracy over time.
The company provides critical value to partners by enabling earlier detection of biological threats, which helps safeguard ecosystems, food systems, and public health. By offering end-to-end scientific services, including discovery, validation, and regulatory consultancy through its division Arctech Innovation, the company supports organizations in co-developing and deploying custom scent-detection solutions. With recent investment to scale its operations globally, the company aims to establish a foundational infrastructure for biological intelligence. Their work is grounded in scientific rigor, leveraging expertise in entomology and chemical ecology to deliver solutions that provide foresight rather than just detection, ultimately helping stakeholders reduce costs and manage risks before they escalate into crises.
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