Artificial Intelligence is not new. Ever since we stepped into the world of internet, we have been surrounded by forces that are literally taking the world's access by strom. Be it customer support, you have a bot talking to you. Go to a restaurant, you have a waiter who is not a human. From education to the digital sector - AI is everywhere!
Some of the key driving forces are Healthcare, agritech, pharmaceutical research, retail, marketing, finance and intelligent process automation in which AI is widely being used, improved and sync intelligently to fasten the human's efficiency.
In contemporary farming like vertical farming - AI helps to speed up the already efficient working and improves the day-to-day tasks performed in the industry.
Let us know through this blog, how AI aids the vertical farming industry.
What is a Vertical Farming
A practice of growing food in vertically stacked layers utilising the upward space rather than the horizontal spread. Vertical farming has three segments - hydroponics, aeroponics and aquaponics.
Most vertical farming setups or farms run on an enclosed structure which is similar to greenhouse structures - stacking plants vertically.
Hydroponics: Hydroponics is a method in which plants are grown in water that is rich in nutrients and has no soil in it. Constant monitoring is needed and periodic fertilisation ensures that plants are grown without any hindrance. The water is recycled and no wastage is seen.
Aquaponics: Aquaponics is an aquaculture system that feeds hydroponically grown plants with waste from farmed fish or other aquatic creatures, which then purify the water. Aquaponics is a type of aquaculture in which farmed fish or other aquatic species; excrement is used to feed hydroponically grown plants, which then clean the water.
Aeroponics: In aeroponics, plants are grown by suspending their roots in the air and spraying them with nutrient solutions. There is a Tower Garden in aeroponics. A vertical aeroponic tower structure capable of growing up to 20 plants at once, such as fruits, vegetables, spices, or flowers, is known as a tower garden system.
Types of AI Technologies Used In Vertical Farming
In the 21st century, farming has been exceptionally adapting to AI in order to boost the overall productivity and capacity to feed a larger population. The existing conventional (traditional) farming is no longer sufficient to feed the global population hence vertical farming was introduced. The productivity and efficiency of vertical farming backed by various AI technologies are being utilised very well. Here are some types of AI technologies commonly used in vertical farming:
Data Analytics and Machine Learning
AI technologies use data analytics and machine learning algorithms to understand and predict relevant data collected from various devices like sensors, machines, cameras etc. These data are collected in the vertical farms and simultaneously make predictions on plants growth, its health, the type of nutrients it requires and many other data related to that.
These predicted and accurate data facilitates farm owners to harvest the right crop and at the right time along with helping them make decisions that are informed.
Computer Vision: With the help of cameras and image processing algorithms, this AI technology known as Computer Vision aids vertical farm owners to analyse plants' growth, health and quality.
By knowing which plant is healthy and which requires special care - computer vision detects stress, nutrient deficiencies, pests etc. This helps the plants from destroying in its early and infancy stage and helps plants bloom to its fullest..
Robotics and Automation: When we talk about AI, robotics and automan is the first thing that comes to our mind. In vertical farms, when most of the things are performed with the help of technologies, robots and automation ensures that humans are less involved and the work is done hasslefree.
Robots can understand which fresh produce is ready for harvesting and is ripe. This considerably lowers the reduced labour costs, increases efficiency,and ensures consistent and accurate operations.
Internet of Things (IoT): The environmental factors in vertical farming are essentially important because the entire system is dependent upon a controlled environment (artificial setting) and not the real one. Hence, it is very important to actually monitor it and adjust it according to the plants' requirement. Right from collection of data on temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and nutrient concentrations - IoT does it all.
Predictive Analytics: AI technologies in vertical farming employ predictive analytics to forecast future crop yields, disease outbreaks, and resource requirements. By analysing historical data and considering various parameters, AI algorithms can predict optimal planting times, harvest dates, and resource allocations. This helps farmers make proactive decisions and plan their operations effectively.
Natural Language Processing (NLP): The use of NLP in agriculture is pretty new and only some of the vertical farms are using these new and innovative technologies. NLP technologies are utilised in vertical farming to facilitate communication between farmers and AI-powered systems. Voice or text-based interfaces allow farmers to interact with AI assistants, providing commands, asking questions, or receiving real-time updates. NLP enables intuitive and user-friendly control of AI systems, making it easier for farmers to manage their vertical farms.
These are just a few examples of the AI technologies employed in vertical farming. The continuous advancement of AI and its integration with vertical farming is expected to drive further innovation, improving productivity, sustainability and the ability to feed a growing global population.
How AI in Vertical Farming Is A Boon
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) not just in vertical farming but in the entire agricultural sector has proven to be a significant boon for the industry. Here are some key advantages of using AI in vertical farming:
1. Enhanced Crop Monitoring: AI systems monitor the crop precisely allowing the real data of their growth being captured. Various data on which plants' overall growth depends such as: temperature, humidity, nutrient levels is detected and then the real facts and figures are presented. This return ensures optimum growth and higher yield.
2. Optimum Utilisation of Resources: Vertical farming is done to save spaces so it is understood that very little space is utilised and facilitated plants for the growth. The robots and automation powered with AI monitors and controls external factors such as water usage, lighting and nutrient delivery in every stage of the plants' growth.
3. Predictive Analytics: Predictions are all made on assumptions and logics - and most likely upon the behaviour of various plants. They may be accurate or may not be. AI technologies in vertical farming have eliminated this problem by monitoring the growth pattern of plants, disease and pests. AI proactive decisions made with the help of AI always leads to better and improvised yields.
4. Data-Driven Mapping: AI systems collect data in huge volumes from various relatable and authentic sources. In traditional farming, this was the biggest problem as there was no documentation but with the help of AI, farmers can take decisions that will help them boost their productivity.
5. Scalability and Sustainability: Vertical farming along with AI technologies offer advantages like scalability and sustainability. AI helps optimise resource usage and reduce waste, making vertical farming a more sustainable and eco-friendly option. Additionally, the vertical stacking of crops maximises land utilisation, making it possible to produce larger quantities of food in limited spaces.
In conclusion of this blog, we are certain that you got an idea of what AI can do to vertical farming. For more such information, stay tuned!
