The Application of Advanced Automation and Robotics Systems in Horticulture

The overall aim of the project is to identify and subsequently design and implement a new from of automation system in horticulture and to evaluate its performance. An applied approach will be adopted, engaging with producers and targeting the identification and implementation of a suitable automation system to be tested and evaluated within the scope of the project. The intended approach in this project is to study the applicability of a range of potential automation technologies and methods in the horticultural domain. A practical approach is to be adopted with the objective of selecting and implementing a solution within 24 months, which will be demonstrated either at a grower's location or at the University of Warwick, depending on the type of application selected for the main project. Subsidiary ideas will also be pursued by being offered as student projects to undergraduate or Masters students at WMG.

Aims:  The overall aim of the project is to identify and subsequently implement an automation system in horticulture and to evaluate its performance. This will be achieved through the application of knowhow through WMG's automation systems group.

Objective: 

1) advertising of the opportunity to the industry;

2) selection of a suitable main application with other applications selected for student projects;

3) specification;

4) design of system in collaboration with selected industry partners;

5) implementation;

6) testing and evaluation;

7) dissemination of results and exploitation.