Visible light LED technology for plant health diagnostics and smart irrigation in biodiversity parks
Optical system using LED lights as both diagnostic emitters and Visible Light Communication (VLC) transmitters to monitor plant health and automate irrigation. Combines plant fluorescence spectroscopy with VLC data transmission to create intelligent bio-parks that respond to real-time plant needs, suitable for zoos and biodiversity conservation facilities.
Overview
This solution proposes an innovative dual-function optical technology that uses visible LED light to protect flora and support biodiversity conservation. By equipping LED lights with two integrated capabilities—diagnostic spectroscopy and Visible Light Communication (VLC)—the system enables continuous, non-invasive monitoring of plant health and automated environmental response in biodiversity parks such as zoos and botanical gardens.
The core value proposition is the ability to detect plant stress early, communicate that information wirelessly through the same LED infrastructure, and automatically adjust irrigation and environmental conditions to match the actual needs of each plant. This reduces water waste, prevents plant loss, and supports biodiversity preservation through smarter, data-driven horticulture.
Technical specifications
Diagnostic capability:
- LED emitters induce fluorescence in plant tissues, enabling non-invasive spectroscopy-based detection of biotic stress (pests, pathogens) and abiotic stress (especially water stress)
- Two-phase diagnostic development: first targeting water stress detection, then expanding to various biotic stress types
Communication capability:
- Visible Light Communication (VLC) technology transmits data through intensity modulation of the LED light
- Compatible with environmental sensors placed near plants, including temperature, humidity, brightness, and soil moisture sensors
- Enables fast, wireless transfer of plant health and environmental data without requiring radio-frequency infrastructure
Integrated system:
- Combines diagnostic LEDs, VLC transmission, and irrigation control into a single intelligent platform
- Final prototype delivers an automated irrigation system calibrated to the real water needs of each plant
- Fully compatible with biological and vegetal systems, making it safe for use in environments housing animals and plants together
Technology readiness level
The technology is at an early-to-mid stage of development. The diagnostic LED emitter component is advancing through a two-phase validation plan, beginning with water stress detection and extending to multiple biotic stress conditions. The VLC transmission component is being validated for soil moisture data transfer to irrigation control systems. Integration of both technologies into a first functional prototype of an intelligent irrigation system is planned as the final project milestone. The underlying spectroscopy and VLC techniques have prior scientific validation in adjacent applications, and the current work focuses on adapting and combining them specifically for biodiversity park environments.
About National Research Council
Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) is Italy’s national public research organization, a large multi‑disciplinary network of institutes distributed across the country and coordinated from Rome. Its model places researchers in regional campuses and co‑located laboratories next to universities, hospitals, and industry, enabling rapid collaboration and access to shared core facilities, testbeds, and prototyping. Companies engage through framework agreements, contract research, joint labs, and researcher secondments, with dedicated liaison staff to streamline engagements. Research is supported by competitive funding from the European Commission, Italian national ministries, and regional programs. A technology transfer office advances IP protection, licensing, and spin‑out formation.
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