South Africa's Aerobotics is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to assist fruit and nut farmers in enhancing crop yields. Founded in Cape Town nine years ago, the company now operates across 18 countries, with the United States as its primary market, followed by South Africa, Australia, Spain, and Portugal. Aerobotics' technology is utilized by producers responsible for tens of millions of tons of fresh produce annually.
California, where the company has its largest customer base, is a significant area of operation. The state, known for its extensive agricultural output, faces challenges from climate change, particularly in terms of water availability and weather conditions. Aerobotics employs AI to mitigate these issues, improving produce quantity and water resource management. The technology involves drones and mobile devices that capture imagery, which is then analyzed by AI to assess fruit characteristics and predict harvest outcomes.
This process not only enhances forecasting accuracy, but also allows for the optimization of individual tree production. Aerobotics' approach represents a shift towards more efficient and sustainable farming practices.
Source: foxnews.com