Agrishow 2024 - Embratel launches AI solution for weed management

At Agrishow 2024, Brazilian digital solutions company Embratel announced the launch of Smart Field, a weed control solution developed in partnership with agtech startup Cromai. 

Smart Field is an artificial intelligence (AI) solution that uses deep learning to accurately locate and classify invasive weeds that can endanger soybean and sugarcane crops.

In areas defined by producers, AI processes images collected from drone flights through a deep learning system with over 150 million references for color, shape, and texture comparison. Therefore, the technology can identify and categorize different types of weeds that affect the productive potential of crops. The mapping can detect various types, such as vines, broad leaves, castor beans, and low and high grasses.

The analysis is shown on an interactive georeferenced map platform with the exact points of each weed infestation classified by layer, as well as the percentage at which herbicide use will no longer be necessary. From this information, producers can make data-driven decisions about applying agricultural chemicals only where necessary. 

According to the developers, the solution generates savings in inputs and financial resources, increasing productivity and reducing environmental impacts that can be caused by herbicides.

"In addition to sugarcane and soybeans, the aim is to expand the use of the solution to other crops soon," said Adriano Rosa, Executive Director of Embratel. According to him, agribusiness is seeking innovative solutions to support the decision-making process for the appropriate pesticide for each weed, so the problem is addressed before a possible infestation.

"Smart Field by Cromai is ideal for this purpose. Embratel's solution also supports soil preparation methods for new crops, considering that the use of the wrong herbicide is ineffective against the weed and can make the land less productive, directly impacting future plantations and the environment," he said.

An expert technical support team will be on hand to help integrate and configure the solution with the drones used by clients, which perform the initial imaging. In addition to providing analysis of weeds present in the field, the solution also allows farmers to turn data into detailed and specific spraying maps that can be integrated into any brand and model of drones and sprayers on the market. This will allow the equipment to understand how to apply pesticides automatically while following the areas that require application, therefore, optimizing operations and allowing field workers to act more strategically on other initiatives.

"Because it is based on AI, Smart Field by Cromai is constantly evolving. As processing is performed, the solution increases its computer vision capabilities, recognizing more and more patterns among weeds in each crop," said Eduardo Polidoro, IoT Director at Claro. 

Therefore, the degree of accuracy grows with each use, ensuring the reliability of the analyses generated by the technology, he added.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)