Drone flight demonstration at CLEREL
On June 6, 2024, from 10 AM – 4 PM LERGP hosted a Precision and Digital Viticulture Demonstration Day at the Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Laboratory with brief updates on the research behind the tools.
Artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous platforms, and novel pest management tools and strategies have the potential to dramatically alter grape production systems. This includes technology to assist with phenotyping and selection efforts, the detection and treatment of diseases, and the elimination of weeds under vine rows using fewer herbicides and less soil disturbance.
Carnegie Mellon also demonstrated their robotic pruner. We hosted Haggerty Ag Robotics/Naio Technologies and demonstrated the TED robot (Ted - Naïo Technologies (naio- technologies.com)). We also discussed the potential for autonomous tool carriers to assist with breeding and pest management efforts.
The labs of Dr. Yu Jiang (Digital Agriculture), Dr. Katie Gold (Plant Pathology), and Dr. Lynn Sosnoskie (Weed Science) also showcased their own research with respect to crop and disease mapping and using electrical weeders and targeted, precision sprayers to suppress unwanted vegetation. Drs Jiang, Gold, and Sosnoskie, as well as representative for Haggerty Creek Ag Robotics/Naio Technologies took the opportunity to talk with stakeholders about current and future needs regarding novel technologies in perennial crops, which will help shape local, regional, and national research efforts.
This event was well attended, and the attendees learned about tools and research that may be a part of our management in coming years.
Carnegie Mellon demonstrating their robotic pruner
Haggerty Creek Ag Robotics demonstrating a Naïo Ted autonomous vineyard tool-carrier
Dr. Lynn Sosnoskie showcasing targeted, precision sprayers attached to an ATV