At the University of Tartu in Estonia, a project is underway to develop a nanodrone for agricultural inspection. This device, characterized by its small size and low cost, is designed to fly over crops and assess their condition, capable of distinguishing between healthy and compromised produce. The innovation aims to offer a more efficient and less intrusive alternative to traditional, larger drones that may damage crops and incur higher operational expenses.
Mayowa Olapade, a junior research fellow at the Institute, detailed the technology behind the drone, highlighting its sensor-based computing component that incorporates light and motion sensors. These sensors enable the drone to accurately assess the freshness of fruits and vegetables, and even estimate the harvest date. Furthermore, the device is being developed to identify plant diseases and defenses.
Another aspect of this technology, as explained by associate professor Huber Fores, is its portability and ease of use, making it suitable not only for agricultural fields but also for monitoring urban green spaces. Currently, a prototype capable of recognizing a limited variety of fruits and vegetables is in testing, with further developments aimed at simplifying farmer-drone interaction through potential features like conversational apps or voice commands.
The project, still in its prototype phase, promises significant advancements in agricultural technology, potentially allowing farmers to deploy fleets of these drones for comprehensive field inspection.
Source: news.err.ee