Academic Research in Smart Farming

Terms like “Agriculture 4.0”, “Precision Farming”, or “Smart Farming'” are ubiquitous, and digitalization extends beyond the farmyard. Cutting-edge technologies like IoT, GPS, Big Data, drones, and robotics have been implemented in agriculture for a while.

Automation should minimize expenses and increase precision in work. Marek Vrhel , from the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, is actively engaged in research within this domain. He is focusing on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI). In his research exchange at SCCH is working on his ongoing PhD studies, specifically centered on investigating the impact of lactation duration on milk production.

“At SCCH I can exchange with the experts on Data Science and AI. Sabrina Luftensteiner and Florian Sobieczky helped me a lot to work out suitable solutions. As I have to deal with a lot of data and optimization tasks”, says Marek.

Animal Husbandry Technology?

Simultaneously, Marek is working at Farmtec a.s (https://www.farmtec.cz), a company involved in developing animal husbandry technology, enabling him to effectively implement research outcomes into practical applications.

"Utilizing AI and advanced computer systems for tracking and predicting decisions in dairy cattle management is an important step the smart farming” explains Marek. “We have developed the necklace for the cow, which helps to detect health problems as well as for example finding the right time for insemination”, Marek explains.

International Partnerships at SCCH

The Software Competence Center Hagenberg (SCCH) maintains a strong international network with its scientific partners and active participation in various specialized networks. “We promote scientific exchange and collaboration - it's a significant priority for us. We are delighted to be able to support Marek in his doctoral thesis by using our expertise in the field of artificial intelligence, for example, to detect changes in health status at an early stage in order to improve animal welfare”, explains Volkmar Wieser , who heads the Data Science department at SCCH. Two other projects related to digitalization in agriculture have already been implemented at SCCH successfully:

• Early Warning System helps beekeepers detect Varroa mite infestation in a timely and secure manner
• AI accelerates ecological precision farming