Brazilian researchers are using AI to reduce soybean waste during harvest by up to 60%.
The project is in its advanced testing stage. It involves the Chapadão Foundation, Smart Agri startup, and local farmers.
Co-founder Marcos Ferraz says many soybeans get lost during machine harvesting. They are studying factors like grain maturity and air humidity to reduce this.
Lost soybeans often can’t be reused and can even sprout, adding to costs. The AI technology allows for automated tracking of waste.
Cameras on harvesters take ground pictures every 5 meters. The AI then counts the fallen grains, helping operators make quick adjustments.
Inside the harvester, a monitor displays the data. The operator can change settings like blade angle or speed instantly.
Right now, only big farms with enough money can afford this technology. Plans to scale this technology are underway.
They’re considering two business models: selling the equipment or offering it as a service. Both aim to make the technology accessible to larger farms.
The project has the support of the Brazilian Agency for Industrial Development and the Ministry of Agriculture.
So far, 30 farms have tested the technology. Smart Agri also provides other tech solutions, filling a need in modern farming.
Background
The use of AI in agriculture is not entirely new but its application for waste reduction is innovative.
In Brazil, agriculture is a key industry, making efficiency crucial. Historically, soybeans are a major crop for the country, with exports reaching global markets.
Therefore, reducing waste has both economic and environmental implications.
This technology comes at a time when sustainable farming practices are increasingly important.
It can potentially reduce the need for larger land areas for soybean cultivation. As AI technology continues to evolve, its applications in agriculture are likely to expand.
It’s a promising step toward modern, sustainable, and efficient farming in Brazil.