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ScoutAI is capable of identifying issues before they become widespread, enabling timely interventions.

Equipment

CultiWise ScoutAI, an advanced autonomous crop monitoring system, has been shortlisted for the prestigious DLG Agrifuture Concept Winner Award

Developed by Czech agritech startup Skymaps, the system combines artificial intelligence with data from satellites, drones, sprayers, and field sensors to help farmers detect crop issues earlier and apply treatments more precisely.

Traditionally, crop scouting has been a manual and time-consuming task, with farmers walking fields to identify problems like pests, disease, or nutrient deficiencies. ScoutAI transforms this process by automating surveillance and decision-making. The system fuses data from multiple sources—satellite imagery, drone flights, smart sprayer cameras, and in-field sensors—into one integrated platform. This allows for faster, more accurate detection of crop stress and reduces dependency on isolated tools and manual monitoring.

ScoutAI is capable of identifying issues before they become widespread, enabling timely interventions. The precision and early detection mean inputs like fertilisers, pesticides, and water can be used more efficiently. Farmers using the system have reported savings of up to 50% on fertiliser and water, and over 60% on pesticide usage. In addition to cutting costs and environmental impact, ScoutAI also saves time and labour, offering farmers a constant digital overview of their fields.

A major strength of ScoutAI is its interoperability. Many existing agricultural tools—such as drones, sprayer logs, and weather apps—operate independently, often without the ability to integrate. In contrast, ScoutAI brings these tools together into a single intelligent system. It acts like a smart security network for crops, continuously monitoring fields and spotting anomalies, such as unexpected bare patches or weed outbreaks.

Once a potential issue is detected using daily satellite imagery, ScoutAI automatically deploys farm drones housed in smart docking stations around the field. These drones fly to the affected area, capturing close-up, high-resolution images. Onboard AI processes this data in real time. Simultaneously, cameras installed on the sprayer booms offer live insights as they move through the field, while in-ground sensors monitor microclimate conditions and pest activity.

All the collected data is analysed on the cloud-based CultiWise platform, which then provides farmers with clear, actionable recommendations. This includes prescription maps for precise, variable-rate treatments such as spot spraying. The entire process, from detection to diagnosis, takes just minutes and is displayed through a user-friendly dashboard.

By integrating and automating previously disconnected tools, ScoutAI is redefining how farmers monitor and manage their crops—making agriculture smarter, more sustainable, and more efficient.

Sabanto launches tractor tech revolution in Australia.(Image credit: Sabanto)

Equipment

In a bold move set to reshape the future of farming, US-based agricultural technology company Sabanto has officially expanded its autonomous tractor technology to Australia

The company’s innovative retrofit systems, which transform standard tractors into fully autonomous workhorses, are now available to Australian farmers through strategic partnerships with OneAg and Vantage NSW.

This marks Sabanto’s first major international expansion and a significant milestone for agri-tech in Australia. Instead of requiring costly investment in new machinery, Sabanto’s technology offers a smarter, cost-effective solution by upgrading the equipment farmers already trust and use.

“Australia’s agricultural sector is highly innovative, and we’re eager to partner with local experts to deliver affordable autonomy to farmers,” said Craig Rupp, CEO and Founder of Sabanto. “Together with OneAg and Vantage NSW, we’re helping farmers adopt this technology with the local expertise and service they already trust.”

Sabanto’s retrofit autonomy kits integrate seamlessly with a wide range of existing tractors, enabling 24/7 operation without the need for constant human supervision. This leap forward not only improves labour efficiency but also allows producers to tackle time-sensitive tasks such as seeding and spraying with greater precision and reliability.

The partnership with OneAg, a leader in precision agriculture, reflects a shared vision for the future of farm operations. “Autonomy represents one of the biggest shifts in how we’ll approach farming over the next decade,” said Michael Munro, Head of Autonomy at OneAg. “Sabanto’s technology allows us to expand what’s possible for productivity. I’m excited to lead this next chapter and work closely with our partners and customers to make autonomous farming a reality.”

Vantage NSW, another key collaborator, brings in-depth knowledge of precision ag systems across the full farming lifecycle. Founder and Director Michael Casey shared, “Our customers want smarter ways to do more with the equipment they already own. Partnering with Sabanto allows us to deliver advanced autonomy solutions, helping farmers improve efficiency while addressing labour and cost challenges.”

The introduction of autonomous retrofits into the Australian market is especially timely, with producers across the country facing increasing pressure from rising input costs, unpredictable labour availability, and extreme weather patterns. Sabanto’s systems help mitigate these challenges while positioning farms for long-term digital transformation.

As Sabanto builds its international dealer network, this expansion underscores a global shift in agriculturewhere smarter, smaller, and more adaptable technologies are paving the way for scalable, sustainable farming solutions.

Nutrient levels of essential elements enhancing the nutritional quality of the crops.

Agriculture

UbiQD has revealed promising results from a USDA-funded greenhouse study conducted at the University of California, Davis, demonstrating that their luminescent quantum dot (QD) laminated glass can significantly boost crop growth, nutrient uptake, and energy efficiency in controlled-environment agriculture (CEA)

Published in Materials Today Sustainability, the study marks a pioneering use of quantum dot-integrated structural glass in agriculture.

The research compared two greenhouses during a winter lettuce growing cycle—one fitted with UbiQD’s spectrum-optimised QD-glass and the other using standard glass. The results showed a remarkable 37.8% increase in fresh biomass, with plants almost 40% heavier, suggesting a substantial rise in edible yield. Leaf area and root length also grew by 38%, enhancing photosynthesis, water, and nutrient absorption, which in turn improved plant resilience and shelf life.

One of the study’s key outcomes was a 41% rise in light-use efficiency, indicating plants converted sunlight into biomass more effectively under the QD-glass. Nutrient levels of essential elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were also higher, enhancing the nutritional quality of the crops. Furthermore, the glass improved the red-to-blue light ratio by 61%, without sacrificing the total amount of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), optimising light quality for growth.

“For glass greenhouse farmers looking to boost output while reducing energy inputs, this is a breakthrough,” said Hunter McDaniel, CEO of UbiQD. “These results prove that the sun can be engineered passively through QD-infused glass to deliver more productive, resilient, and sustainable food systems.”

As the global food system faces challenges including climate change, resource scarcity, and growing demand, this spectral engineering technology offers a timely solution. The study concludes that UbiGro glass could be a key step towards climate-smart greenhouses that marry photonics and sustainable agriculture, enabling year-round production especially in colder or energy-limited regions.

 

African Farming
Henkesasswolf

  • HSW ECO MATIC® 6ml _ 10ml (for injection, oral and pour-on application)

Telematics enhances efficiency and uptime for seed research. (Image source: ALMACO)

ALMACO Telematics is a next-generation system delivering remote access to real-time machine data—boosting efficiency, performance, and uptime for seed research professionals

Available on both the R1 Single-Plot and R2 Twin-Plot Research Combines, it’s the only telematics offering integrated specifically for seed research, reinforcing ALMACO’s leadership in precision agtech.

With insights into numerous machine parameters, the platform provides deep visibility into settings, location, diagnostics, software, and performance. This empowers fleet managers and researchers to easily monitor and optimise machine use for peak operational output.

Maximising uptime through smart diagnostics

A key feature of ALMACO Telematics is its remote diagnostics and repair capability, protecting uptime and reducing disruptions. Over 30% of service issues can be resolved remotely, removing the need for a field technician and delivering cost-effective value.

Simplified software upgrades

The system enables remote software updates, ensuring machines stay up to date without site visits. This reduces downtime and maintenance costs while supporting continuous tech improvement.

Enhanced fleet oversight

From their desks, managers can track machine performance and advise operators to refine seed trial accuracy. Telematics interfaces can also be remotely customised to support the specific goals of different research operations, improving data precision and machine functionality.

A smart investment for research operations

By reducing field calls, improving uptime, and enhancing resale value, ALMACO Telematics offers a strong return on investment. With its real-time oversight and proactive maintenance tools, seed research professionals can operate with confidence and lower costs.

“The integration of ALMACO Telematics marks a significant step forward in precision seed research,” said Mat Titus, service director at ALMACO. “By offering real-time data access and remote diagnostics, we are enabling researchers to focus on what matters most—developing the next generation of seed innovations.”

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Grid List

Crops

Nutrient levels of essential elements enhancing the nutritional quality of the crops.

Agriculture

UbiQD has revealed promising results from a USDA-funded greenhouse study conducted at the University of California, Davis, demonstrating that their luminescent quantum dot (QD) laminated glass can significantly boost crop growth, nutrient uptake, and energy efficiency in controlled-environment agriculture (CEA)

Published in Materials Today Sustainability, the study marks a pioneering use of quantum dot-integrated structural glass in agriculture.

The research compared two greenhouses during a winter lettuce growing cycle—one fitted with UbiQD’s spectrum-optimised QD-glass and the other using standard glass. The results showed a remarkable 37.8% increase in fresh biomass, with plants almost 40% heavier, suggesting a substantial rise in edible yield. Leaf area and root length also grew by 38%, enhancing photosynthesis, water, and nutrient absorption, which in turn improved plant resilience and shelf life.

One of the study’s key outcomes was a 41% rise in light-use efficiency, indicating plants converted sunlight into biomass more effectively under the QD-glass. Nutrient levels of essential elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were also higher, enhancing the nutritional quality of the crops. Furthermore, the glass improved the red-to-blue light ratio by 61%, without sacrificing the total amount of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), optimising light quality for growth.

“For glass greenhouse farmers looking to boost output while reducing energy inputs, this is a breakthrough,” said Hunter McDaniel, CEO of UbiQD. “These results prove that the sun can be engineered passively through QD-infused glass to deliver more productive, resilient, and sustainable food systems.”

As the global food system faces challenges including climate change, resource scarcity, and growing demand, this spectral engineering technology offers a timely solution. The study concludes that UbiGro glass could be a key step towards climate-smart greenhouses that marry photonics and sustainable agriculture, enabling year-round production especially in colder or energy-limited regions.

 

A game changer for phosphate production.

Nestlé continues to play a pivotal role in advancing Thailand’s coffee sector.(Image credit: Nestlé)

Livestock

The event brought together over 300 industry experts. (Image credit: Sigenergy)

Aquaculture

Sigenergy, a key player in renewable energy innovation, recently showcased its modular commercial and industrial (C&I) solar-storage system at Sigenergy Day APAC in Hainan

The event brought together over 300 industry experts, partners, clients, and media professionals to explore the evolving landscape of solar-storage technology. A particular highlight of the event was a tour of a new aquaculture project powered entirely by solar and storage technology—demonstrating a bold step forward in sustainable energy applications beyond traditional sectors.

The seawater fish farming project, located in Hainan, uses Sigenergy’s advanced C&I inverters and the SigenStack energy storage system to power its operations. With a setup integrating 6 MW of solar power and 5 MWh of storage capacity, the project shows how clean energy can be effectively used in the demanding environment of aquaculture. It is a significant case study for how renewable energy can reduce operational costs and support environmental goals in industries that depend on consistent and intensive energy use.

This fish farm, focused on cultivating the high-value Leopard Coral Grouper, requires stringent control over its operating environment. Maintaining stable water temperature, constant oxygen supply, and controlled lighting is essential to the survival of the fish. These needs drive high energy consumption, with the farm using around 43,200 kWh daily and more than 15 million kWh annually. Sigenergy’s system drastically cuts the farm’s reliance on the grid and offers a cost-effective, environmentally conscious energy solution.

The site posed several logistical and environmental challenges that traditional energy systems could not solve. However, Sigenergy’s modular design provided key advantages. Space was a major limitation, with narrow corridors between ponds making bulky container systems impractical. The compact, plug-and-play nature of Sigenergy’s solution allowed it to be easily installed without wasting valuable space.

Transport and installation were also simplified. As the site is located near water networks, heavy machinery access was impossible. Sigenergy’s lightweight units, which don’t require cranes, enabled the system to be fully set up in just four days. The sandy soil also posed structural concerns, but the modular design allowed even weight distribution, reducing foundation stress and ensuring safety.

Being just 300 metres from the sea, the site is exposed to salt-heavy air and humidity. Sigenergy’s equipment is built to last under such harsh conditions, with IP66 and C5-M protection ratings that provide high-level resistance to corrosion and ensure long-term performance.

This deployment not only delivers reliable and clean energy for the aquaculture industry but also stands as a scalable model for energy transformation in other complex, high-demand environments.

The future of marine resources.

Automation is increasingly essential to manage labour shortages, enhance precision, and meet hygiene and welfare standards.

Equipment

ScoutAI is capable of identifying issues before they become widespread, enabling timely interventions.

Equipment

CultiWise ScoutAI, an advanced autonomous crop monitoring system, has been shortlisted for the prestigious DLG Agrifuture Concept Winner Award

Developed by Czech agritech startup Skymaps, the system combines artificial intelligence with data from satellites, drones, sprayers, and field sensors to help farmers detect crop issues earlier and apply treatments more precisely.

Traditionally, crop scouting has been a manual and time-consuming task, with farmers walking fields to identify problems like pests, disease, or nutrient deficiencies. ScoutAI transforms this process by automating surveillance and decision-making. The system fuses data from multiple sources—satellite imagery, drone flights, smart sprayer cameras, and in-field sensors—into one integrated platform. This allows for faster, more accurate detection of crop stress and reduces dependency on isolated tools and manual monitoring.

ScoutAI is capable of identifying issues before they become widespread, enabling timely interventions. The precision and early detection mean inputs like fertilisers, pesticides, and water can be used more efficiently. Farmers using the system have reported savings of up to 50% on fertiliser and water, and over 60% on pesticide usage. In addition to cutting costs and environmental impact, ScoutAI also saves time and labour, offering farmers a constant digital overview of their fields.

A major strength of ScoutAI is its interoperability. Many existing agricultural tools—such as drones, sprayer logs, and weather apps—operate independently, often without the ability to integrate. In contrast, ScoutAI brings these tools together into a single intelligent system. It acts like a smart security network for crops, continuously monitoring fields and spotting anomalies, such as unexpected bare patches or weed outbreaks.

Once a potential issue is detected using daily satellite imagery, ScoutAI automatically deploys farm drones housed in smart docking stations around the field. These drones fly to the affected area, capturing close-up, high-resolution images. Onboard AI processes this data in real time. Simultaneously, cameras installed on the sprayer booms offer live insights as they move through the field, while in-ground sensors monitor microclimate conditions and pest activity.

All the collected data is analysed on the cloud-based CultiWise platform, which then provides farmers with clear, actionable recommendations. This includes prescription maps for precise, variable-rate treatments such as spot spraying. The entire process, from detection to diagnosis, takes just minutes and is displayed through a user-friendly dashboard.

By integrating and automating previously disconnected tools, ScoutAI is redefining how farmers monitor and manage their crops—making agriculture smarter, more sustainable, and more efficient.

Agrico Web Control offers a cutting-edge solution for farmers seeking efficiency.

Roads and access points must be wide and clear enough for emergency vehicles.(Image credit: Husqvarna)

Technology

Technologies can improve farming efficiency and strengthen the supply chain.

Infrastructure

Nezar Patria, Deputy Minister of communication and digital affairs, has stressed the vital role of artificial intelligence (AI) and data in transforming Indonesia’s agricultural sector.

He highlighted that strong digital infrastructure is the foundation for achieving sustainable agriculture across the country.

“To really take advantage of AI power and data, a strong digital infrastructure is very important. This includes evenly distributed broadband access and an inclusive digital platform for farmers and agri-food business actors,” Nezar said during an official broadcast.

He emphasised that digital transformation in agriculture is not about following global trends, but a strategic move to address national food security challenges. Technologies such as smart sensors, drones, automation, and predictive analytics can significantly improve farming efficiency, reduce waste, and strengthen the supply chain from production to distribution.

“AI and data can revolutionize our entire agri-food ecosystem,” he added.

To support this transformation, the ministry of communication and digital affairs (Komdigi) is speeding up the expansion of digital infrastructure in rural areas. The ministry is also promoting digital literacy and working closely with universities like Gadjah Mada University (UGM) to advance research, training, and the development of technology-based solutions for agriculture.

Nezar called on academics, farmers, and all stakeholders to join forces in strengthening national food sovereignty. “AI and data are bridges to Indonesia’s more productive, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural future,” he concluded.

Enhance Agricultural Resilience with Solar Energy.

These technologies also make farming more accessible for younger generations.

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