Drone meets tractor: How AI is revolutionizing agriculture

What do tractors, drones, and artificial intelligence (AI) have in common? In the AI4Green research project, the answer is: they are all part of a sustainable strategy for the future. Under the direction of Prof. (FH) PD Dr. Mario Döller, Rector of the FH Kufstein Tirol, an interdisciplinary team is developing innovative approaches to energy and CO₂ savings in industry and agriculture. The goal: to increase efficiency and conserve resources with the help of intelligent technology.

Agriculture reimagined: When drones show the way

One focus is on the use of mobile sensor platforms in agriculture. Drones equipped with special sensors fly automatically over fields, detect storm damage, weeds, or differences in growth, and deliver data for precise management. “This allows farmers to respond in a targeted manner – without having to drive over the entire field multiple times with a tractor,” explains Döller in an interview. This saves fuel, time, and emissions. The combination of drones with ground-based vehicles such as tractors is also being further developed in a targeted manner.

The detection and classification of the poisonous ragwort plant is a particularly important focus. The plant spreads rapidly and poses a threat to grazing animals. AI-supported drones can be used to identify affected areas at an early stage and treat them in a targeted manner – an example of how technology can contribute directly to greater sustainability and animal welfare.

At the heart of the project is the use of deep reinforcement learning, an AI procedure in which algorithms learn through experience. This results in autonomous systems that can independently and efficiently perform tasks such as flying over an entire field or optimizing industrial processes. Swarm concepts are also used, in which several drones work together in a coordinated manner.

More than theory: transfer to industry

AI4Green is not a laboratory experiment, but is clearly designed for practical applications. In close cooperation with companies from the region, software and system solutions are being developed that can be integrated directly into everyday work. The goal is to launch at least two to three marketable innovations by the end of the project in 2027 – a target that project manager Döller already wants to exceed: “Ten would be good.”

Inter-university expertise

The FH Kufstein Tirol is collaborating with several higher education institutions and research institutions on AI4Green. Together, they are developing methods, tools, and applications that will have an impact far beyond the region – from Tyrol to Bavaria. Open access to project results via a digital knowledge platform ensures that others can also benefit from the findings.

Döller emphasizes that this is not just about technology, but also about social responsibility: “As a higher education institution, we see it as our duty to actively shape sustainable developments – for the region and far beyond.” 

Data & Facts

• Project duration: May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2027
• Project management: Prof. (FH) PD Dr. Mario Döller
• Project team: Julius Tscherch, Benjamin Senfter, Joachim Pfuhl, BSc, Mohammadreza Mohebbi, MSc
• Funding body: Interreg Bavaria-Austria BA0100172
• Project partners: Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, Rosenheim Technical University of Applied Sciences, Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences, Kempten higher education institution, Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, Deggendorf Institute of Technology, Software Competence Center Hagenberg

Links:

• Drone Engineering | ft
• Drone Lab | Science Lab