PROJECTS – Aquastow

Autonomous cultivation system as a potential sustainable source of healthy crops

Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of the project activities : TRL 1, TRL 2, TRL 3

Description

The proposed project, as well as its individual activities, are in line with the Call to support research projects focused on digitalization of the economy in TRL levels 1-3, as the project activities reach the maximum level of TRL 3 – experimental proof of concept in the third work package of the project, while the completion of this work package will lead to the completion of the main objective of the project - verification of the functionality of the autonomous cultivation system concept. Individual work packages and their activities are defined in such a way to ensure their logical continuity, systematic progress of the Project and the development of technology.The excellence of this project lies in its exceptional scientific and innovative aspects, which make it extremely relevant and valuable. And at the same time in its ability to combine rigorous scientific methods with the latest digital technologies to improve efficiency and sustainability in agriculture. These aspects are focused on many important areas and goals, which the project is gradually addressing within the framework of the autonomous cultivation system concept proposal.

Our goals are closely linked to the challenges of today's agriculture and the global need to achieve sustainable and efficient methods of growing crops. The project does not only deal with theoretical aspects but solves concrete problems that farmers and crop growers face today. The focus on artificial intelligence in agriculture is also key to the digital transformation of the agricultural sector and the global trend of using modern technologies to increase food production. The project responds to the growing problems associated with traditional methods of agricultural production, such as the need for efficient use of land and water, the reduction of pesticides and fertilizers, and the growing demand for food. Also, the need to identify and protect against pests and pathogens in agriculture increases the importance of projects aimed at improving the safety and sustainability of food production.

Project autoCULTIs does not limit its goals to existing technical solutions. Instead, it moves "beyond the state of the art" by innovatively using artificial intelligence to solve the complex problems associated with growing crops in hydroponic systems, while at the same time creating a system concept that will have the potential to be applied to the entire field of agriculture in the future. This overlap is manifested in the use of complex data models, algorithms and protection methods that surpass current standards in the field of digital agriculture. At the same time, however, emphasis was placed on ensuring that access to research data and outputs is ensured with thorough care and management. Its settings integrate the principles of open science and ensure the transparency and availability of data for the wider scientific community, but also for experts, the business sector and the lay public. In this way, it strengthens its contribution to public science and facilitates further research in the field of digital agriculture.This is ensured by entities participating in the implementation of the planned concept design.

The uniqueness of this project is strengthened by the excellence of the applicant and his partners. The applicant has long-term experience in the field of scientific research and innovation in agriculture with a proven ability to implement complex projects in the field. The project partners are experienced experts in the field of artificial intelligence and digital technologies. Their ability to use artificial intelligence to solve specific problems in agriculture contributes to the excellence of the project. Their participation ensures that the project will have access to the latest technological knowledge and practices, ensuring that the project uses the best available tools to achieve its goals.

The project creates an excellent framework for digital innovations in agriculture, pushes technical boundaries, and solves current problems of resilience, sustainability and efficiency in agriculture. We anticipate that it can be of exceptional benefit to the scientific community, farmers, and society as a whole, and will have a significant and measurable impact on the digitization of agriculture. At the same time, it is fully in line with national and European strategies to support innovation, digitization and sustainability in agriculture. It strengthens the connection to the European Research Area, while contributing to the development of digital technologies in agriculture.

At the European level, there are initiatives and strategies that support the digitization and sustainability of agriculture. For example, the European Commission has set goals in the field of sustainable development and agricultural policy, which emphasize the need for modern technologies to improve agricultural efficiency and reduce the environmental burden. In this way, the project responds to European priorities and goals in the field of digital transformation of agriculture. Its aim is also to strengthen the European research community in the field of digital transformation of agriculture. In this way, the project contributes to the development and competitiveness of the European research area. And it is also committed to the open exchange of knowledge and the publication of results in the form of professional and scientific publications, professional seminars, or presentations at scientific conferences. It also includes the creation of a sandbox that will be available for researchers and students. This sandbox will enable testing of innovative solutions and technologies in the real environment of digital agriculture.

Main and specific objectives of the project:

The main goal of the project will be to verify the functionality of the autonomous cultivation system concept. The innovative system we are creating will include practices that are as sparing as possible on space, nutrients and water and with as little interference from the consumer in the growing process as possible and will produce high-quality and healthy plant products. This intelligent system will enable the application of the most modern technologies in cultivation practice, and at the same time it brings the possibility of greater self-sufficiency for the common consumers who does not have access to arable soil, while being gentle on the natural environment. Such a system will continue to develop and provide opportunities for a wide range of consumers within Slovakia and beyond.