In a groundbreaking study published in Nature Sustainability, a research team led by Moussa El Jarroudi, a researcher in Crop Environment and Epidemiology at the Faculty of Science, demonstrated practical methods for integrating AI into agricultural systems to meet the escalating demands of sustainable food production.
Digital technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), is poised to bring significant advancements to agriculture by enhancing efficiency, yield, quality, and safety in food production. Edge AI, a cutting-edge technology that executes AI algorithms near the data source rather than in centralized cloud facilities, is at the forefront of this transformation.
Edge AI, a subset of AI, involves deploying advanced computing power close to where data is collected. "This technology allows computations to be performed near the data source, rather than in a centralized cloud facility or remote data center," explains Jarroudi. This enables devices to make smarter, faster decisions without needing to connect to distant cloud servers.
"Implementing AI in agriculture is complex and necessitates innovative solutions and robust infrastructure," notes El Jarroudi. Professor Said Hamdioui of Delft University of Technology has pioneered low-energy AI systems that operate independently, addressing some of these challenges.
Despite obstacles, including those posed by climate change, the potential benefits of AI in agriculture are substantial. University of Liège (ULiège) played a pivotal role in this research, providing state-of-the-art resources and expertise in AI and sustainable agriculture. Researchers at ULiège have developed innovative edge AI solutions and conducted comprehensive analyses of their potential impact on agricultural practices.
"Our study's findings contribute to the growing trend of incorporating advanced technologies into agriculture to achieve sustainability goals," summarizes Benoît Mercatoris, co-author of the study and agronomy researcher at Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech. Edge AI's adoption could revolutionize agricultural practices by improving resource efficiency, and crop quality, and reducing environmental impacts, establishing itself as a cornerstone of future sustainable agriculture.
The potential applications of edge AI in agriculture are vast. This technology can enhance crop management through real-time data, optimize resource use such as water and fertilizers, reduce post-harvest losses, boost food safety, and improve monitoring and response to changing weather conditions.
The study paves the way for a smarter, more eco-friendly agricultural sector, heralding a technological revolution that promises to transform food production and consumption.
(Source: University of Liège)
