Cameras in modern agriculture
To optimise crop protection, harvesting and animal husbandry
Being able to control processes more easily and make them more sustainable also plays an important role for agriculture and the food industry. High sustainability standards, rising consumer demands and increasing cost pressure characterise the sector. Networked devices and automation are therefore now also unavoidable in these areas - agriculture is facing an AI revolution. Read here why cameras from IDS are an important building component for intelligent image processing systems in the agricultural sector.
Robust cameras with and without AI: Smart Farming "Made in Germany"
Whether in agriculture and livestock farming, aquafarming or forestry, the range of applications for industrial cameras is as diverse as the agricultural and forestry sectors. In both traditional agriculture and modern farming methods such as vertical farming, they monitor plant growth, detect pests and optimise harvesting processes. In drones, they provide high-resolution images of forests and fields and thus support precision agriculture and forestry.
Robust and resistant: Outstanding image quality in the barn, in the greenhouse and in the field
All our cameras are manufactured in Germany, carefully tested and fulfil the highest quality requirements. With certifications such as ISO, UL, CE and others, we guarantee their safe and reliable use in agricultural and forestry equipment and systems. At the same time, our cameras deliver brilliant images - even under challenging conditions.
Dust, moisture, vibrations and temperature fluctuations are typical for agricultural and forestry environments. We offer camera families that meet these requirements: Our uEye FA 2D models and Ensenso N 3D cameras are equipped with protection class IP65/67 and are resistant to dirt and splash water in all weathers. Sophisticated details such as screwable connectors are just as much a matter of course as robust accessories.
Recognising plant condition and harvest stage
Intelligent cameras recognise the growth stage and height of vegetables. On the basis of this information, it is possible, for example, to Identify vegetable varieties, determine the optimum harvesting time and precisely adjust the position of cutting blades. Artificial intelligence can also help to identify damaged areas so that the affected products are sorted out and not processed further.
Optimising cultivation processes and conserving resources
Industrial cameras are also revolutionising the cultivation of plants in vertical farming. They enable precise monitoring and control of all aspects of the cultivation process, from lighting and irrigation to harvesting and sorting. This leads to higher yields, better product quality and a more sustainable use of resources.
Identifying weeds in outdoor plantings
Cameras on tractor booms or agricultural robots can be used to inspect the soil and check for weeds in the planting corridor. This allows the soil to be sprayed with plant protection products in a targeted manner and ensures unhindered plant growth. Artificial intelligence identifies weeds with high speed and reliability.
In this example, an IDS camera on the underside of an autonomous robot detects the weeds between the sown plants and removes them using four small ploughshares.
Smart farming for the automation of lettuce harvesting
As part of this exemplary UK project, existing leek harvesters were adapted so that they lift the lettuce off the ground and clamp it between crushing belts. The outer leaves of the lettuce are removed mechanically to expose the stalk. Industrial image processing and AI are then used to determine a precise cutting point on the stalk in order to separate the lettuce head from the stalk.
Minimise health risks with seafood
Sea fish may contain parasites that can be dangerous to humans when consuming inadequately prepared products. Strict regulations therefore apply in the European Union for the pre-treatment of raw materials. Their main objective is to verify the viability of anisocides in fishery products. Read the article "Searching for survival artists" to find out what role camera technology plays in monitoring systems for laboratories in the veterinary and food sectors.
Ensuring sustainable aquaculture
In aquaculture, fish farms lose an average of 40% of potential revenue because fish are not kept under optimal breeding conditions. An intelligent camera system, combined with chemical-physical sensors, monitors animal welfare and ensures better water quality and correct feed management.
Minimise environmental impact, enable precision agriculture
Heatwaves caused by climate change are increasing sharply and the associated risk of forest fires is rising. Fires in natural areas are increasingly getting out of control due to drought and wind. Cameras and AI enable early and efficient firefighting. With the help of drones, they provide high-resolution images for detailed maps of forests and fields. They are therefore also used in precision agriculture and forestry for the early detection of diseases, nutrient deficiencies and pest infestations as well as for yield calculations.
Classify round timber, automate joinery
In terms of volume and mass, wood is the most important raw material worldwide. Whether it's the marketing of logs in the forest or the use of robots in the sawmill: The forestry industry must also increasingly consider automation solutions in order to be fit for the future.
Find out how robust and simple, fast and precise Ensenso 3D cameras ensure reliable and automatic 3D capture in the industry.
Special cameras for special requirements
When cameras are used in the agricultural sector, special adaptations are often required. Particularly harsh environmental conditions, confined spaces or other special features require customised hardware. In addition, the potential of many image processing applications can be increased by customising the software configuration. Our experienced engineering teams develop and build your customised special model - whether camera or software - and ensure that your requirements are met. Interested? We will be happy to explain to you what is technically feasible!
"Artificial intelligence is currently revolutionising agriculture by increasing efficiency and sustainability, making precise predictions and optimising the use of resources. From AI-controlled agricultural machinery to intelligent irrigation systems, artificial intelligence enables farmers to maximise yields while minimising their environmental footprint."
Our cameras for your applications in food & agriculture
This is just a small excerpt of what image processing makes possible in agriculture and the food industry today - we offer a broad portfolio of cameras and image sensors for this purpose. Particularly interesting: our models with high NIR sensitivity, which reliably visualise details even in changing light conditions, depending on the weather. With IDS NXT and the DENKnet software solution, we make AI easily accessible - for a selective harvest that takes into account the variety, ripeness and quality of the produce. And with the Ensenso camera families, we offer flexible and powerful 3D cameras that help robots to see.
Do you need support to automate your processes from the factory to the field? Talk to us - we will be happy to help you!
