Smart Tech
7 Snapshots From the Inaugural Great Lakes Tek Flex
Technology took to the field at the inaugural Great Lakes Tek Flex. I was there. Held Sept. 10-11 at Michigan State University’s Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center in Benton Harbor, the event showcased labor-saving technology for specialty crop growers, including autonomous machines, robotic mowers, precision weed-control systems, intelligent sprayers, and orchard equipment. Scroll through the photo gallery below to look at some of the technology I saw in action!
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Carbon Robotics’ LaserWeeder G2 uses artificial intelligence, high-resolution cameras and lasers to identify and eliminate weeds as it moves through a field. The tractor-mounted system provides weed control without herbicides or soil disturbance.
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Mechanical Transplanter Company’s bed-preparation equipment combines multiple operations on a single toolbar, including laying plastic mulch and preparing rows for specialty crop production.
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FJDynamics’ autonomous mower uses satellite-based positioning and onboard navigation technology to operate without a driver, automating routine mowing and vegetation management.
Photo:: Thomas Skernivitz -
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Burro’s autonomous mobile robot uses computer vision, GPS and artificial intelligence to navigate specialty crop operations, carrying or towing loads and reducing the need for workers to perform repetitive transport tasks.
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John Deere’s Smart Apply Intelligent Spray Control System uses LiDAR to detect individual trees and vines and automatically adjusts spray volume based on foliage density, reducing unnecessary chemical and water applications.
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Farm-ING’s InRowING camera-guided weeder uses artificial intelligence to distinguish crop plants from weeds, allowing its mechanical tools to control weeds between individual plants within the crop row.
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Stephan Lanpacher of Frucotec demonstrates the Italian company’s elevating orchard platform, which positions workers at canopy height for harvesting and other labor-intensive tasks while reducing reliance on ladders.
Photo: Thomas Skernivitz
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Thomas Skernivitz is Senior Content Specialist, Horticulture Group, at Meister Media Worldwide. See all author stories here.