USER-PA

Project information
A number of technologies originating from ICT, has been successfully applied in agriculture. Nevertheless, sensor solutions have not been adopted into common agricultural practice. Two main gaps were identified, that this project is approaching to abridge: 1. Reliability - systems with insufficient reliability for everyday use in harsh conditions, and limited robustness of calibrations. 2. Usability - techniques were applied as isolated approaches without synergy of sensor data. In combination with the limited insight of the farmers with ICT, it limited their adoption. USER proposes a conceptual framework and concrete applications for the farmer based on an innovative technical architecture, that demonstrates reliable Precision Agriculture solution. USER integrates canopy and fruit sensors with mobile vehicles and wireless sensor networks for providing spatial data for high value crops (vineyards and apple orchards). Solutions will be demonstrated to farmers and extension services.
Project partners: 
The Volcani Center
Group Leader Sensor Development and Application
Mechanical Engineering Department
Case Postale 1148
Center for Research and Technology, Thessaly
Harper Adams University College
Milan
Institute of Food and Resource Economics
Group Laser Sensors
Project dates: 
March 2013 to September 2016
Contact
Contact person: 
Victor Alchanatis
Contact email: 
Contact organisation: 
The Volcani Center
Funding
Funding agency: 
ICT and robotics for sustainable agriculture