Connect with us

Technology

Bhusan Chettri Explained Automatic Crop and Soil monitoring using Artificial Intelligence

Published

on

In this article Bhusan Chettri explains how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used for monitoring soil and crop conditions with the aid of automatic systems driven by advanced AI algorithms for yielding better crop produce. He describes the steps involved in training such automatic systems and also elaborates on their potential merits and demerits.

“Agriculture is one of the most important sectors for the economy of our country, India. It is the foundation on which the economy of our country stands. The use of artificial intelligence technology in agriculture can increase productivity and efficiency. Artificial Intelligence is being used for identification and detection of diseases, precision farming and many other applications. Machine learning, a kind of artificial intelligence, allows computers to learn and make decisions on their own. In the field of agriculture, machine learning is being used to improve crop yields, reduce costs, and increase efficiency. ”, says Bhusan Chettri an AI researcher who is currently exploring applications of AI in agriculture and weather forecasting.

AI can be used for crop and soil monitoring through the use of sensors and machine learning algorithms. Sensors placed in the field can collect data on various parameters such as temperature, moisture levels, soil nutrient levels, and sunlight intensity. This data can then be fed into machine learning algorithms, which can analyze the data and provide insights on the optimal conditions for crop growth and soil health. From these data the learning algorithms also discover trends and patterns useful for understanding the soil conditions. For example, the algorithm can determine the optimal amount of water and nutrients required for the crops and provide recommendations on when and how to apply these inputs. It can also detect potential issues such as pests or diseases and provide early warning to farmers. Additionally, AI can be used to monitor the health of the soil itself, providing insights on its composition and potential issues such as soil erosion or compaction. This can help farmers take appropriate measures to improve soil health and maintain productivity. The AI system can also alert farmers when soil conditions are not optimal for plant growth and suggest potential solutions. Additionally, AI can be used to monitor crop health and predict potential pest infestations or disease outbreaks, allowing farmers to take preventative measures.

Bhusan Chettri explains that the use of AI technology for crop and soil monitoring is very helpful in getting a good deal of information about the health of crops and the quality of soil. The technology has been used to get the best results on time. With the use of the technology, farmers can easily get access to all the data regarding the condition of their crops and other agriculture activities. It helps in saving time and money. The technology offers accurate analysis on time and helps in reducing environmental damage by farmers.

There exists several free datasets that can be used to train AI (machine learning and deep learning models) for agricultural farming. For example, the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides a dataset containing images of various crops and plant diseases, which can be used to train machine learning models for crop health monitoring and disease detection. The dataset is freely available and can be used to train machine learning models for crop health monitoring and disease detection. The dataset includes images of different crop species, such as corn, wheat, soybeans, and rice, as well as images of common plant diseases, such as rust, blight, and wilt. The images are labelled with the specific crop or disease, along with additional metadata such as the location and date of the image. The ARS dataset can be used to train deep learning models to recognize different crops and diseases in images, allowing farmers and researchers to monitor crop health and detect potential issues. This can help improve crop yields and reduce the spread of plant diseases. Additionally, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) provides a dataset containing information on global food production and consumption, which can be used for predictive modelling and analysis of agricultural trends and challenges.

“Furthermore, understanding soil texture is very important towards ensuring healthy crop production. In this direction, it is also possible to train an automatic system for fast and accurate prediction of soil texture using Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence algorithms.”, says Bhusan Chettri. Following steps need to be followed for this.

  • Collect a large dataset of images of soil textures from a variety of locations and conditions. The dataset should include images of different soil textures, such as sandy, clayey, and loamy, as well as corresponding labels or annotations indicating the soil texture of each image.
  • Use this dataset to train an AI (machine learning or deep neural network model) to recognize different soil textures in images. This would typically involve using a type of neural network called a convolutional neural network (CNN), which is well-suited to image recognition tasks.
  • Validate the trained model using a separate dataset of images to ensure that it is accurate and reliable. This would involve comparing the model’s predictions to the true soil textures of the images in the validation dataset and measuring the model’s performance using metrics such as accuracy and precision.
  • Implement the trained deep learning model in a computer vision system, which would be used to automatically capture and analyze images of soil textures in the field. The machine vision system would need to include hardware components such as cameras and sensors, as well as software components such as image processing algorithms and the trained deep learning model.
  • Test and evaluate the automated monitoring system in the field to ensure that it is able to accurately and reliably predict soil textures in real-world conditions. This would involve collecting images of soil textures using the machine vision system and comparing the system’s predictions to the true soil textures.

Training an AI for automatic crop and soil monitoring

To train an AI (Machine Learning or Deep Neural Network model) for automatic crop and soil monitoring, you would need to gather a large dataset of images and other data related to crops and soils. This dataset would need to include a wide range of examples, such as images of different plant species, growth stages, and soil types, as well as corresponding labels or annotations that indicate the class or category of each example. One can also use the freely available related datasets that were discussed earlier. Once data collection is completed, training of a neural network model is performed by presenting it with the examples in the dataset and adjusting the strengths of the connections between the neurons in the network based on their performance. This process is known as backpropagation and is typically performed using specialized software and hardware tools. During training, the neural network model would learn to recognize patterns and relationships in the data, and it would be able to make predictions or classifications on new, unseen data. The accuracy of the model would be evaluated using a separate set of data that is not used for training, and the model would be refined and improved based on this evaluation. Overall, training a neural network for automatic crop and soil monitoring is a complex and time-consuming process that requires a large dataset and specialized tools and expertise. However, the results can be highly accurate and valuable for agricultural applications.

There are many examples of research efforts to train automatic systems for crop and soil monitoring. Here are a few examples. In one study, researchers trained a CNN to identify and classify different crops in satellite images. The CNN was trained using a dataset of over 100,000 images of crops, and it achieved an accuracy of over 90% on a validation dataset. The trained model was then used to automatically map the distribution of different crops in a study area. In another study, researchers used a combination of machine learning algorithms, including random forests and support vector machines, to predict soil moisture levels from remotely sensed data. The algorithms were trained using a dataset of soil moisture measurements and satellite imagery, and they were able to accurately predict soil moisture levels with an average error of less than 5%. In yet another study, researchers trained a deep learning neural network to classify different soil textures in images. The network was trained using a dataset of over 2,000 images of soil textures, and it achieved an accuracy of over 95% on a validation dataset. The trained model was then used to automatically identify and map soil textures in a study area. Overall, these studies demonstrate the potential of machine learning and deep learning algorithms for automating crop and soil monitoring tasks.

“Overall, developing an automated monitoring system for fast and accurate prediction of soil texture using an image-based deep learning network and machine vision system is a complex and challenging task that requires expertise in machine learning, computer vision, and soil science. However, the resulting system can provide valuable information for agricultural applications.”, says Bhusan Chettri, researcher in AI, Machine Learning and Data Science.

Technology

India’s First FinTech Startup Simplifying Provident Fund Challenges for India’s workforce

Published

on

Launched in October 2023, FinRight Technologies, a Mumbai-based fintech startup founded by CRED and Amazon professionals, addresses personal finance challenges uniquely. With a vision to address some of the most challenging pain points in personal finance, FinRight has chosen Employee Provident Fund (EPF) as its first major focus area as accessing this retirement corpus has become increasingly complicated.

In FY23, over 5.21 crore PF withdrawal and transfer claims were filed, but a staggering 25.8% of them–around 1.34 crore of PF claims–were rejected. For final PF withdrawal claims, the PF claim rejection rate hit a five-year high of 34%. These numbers reveal the deep-rooted challenges employees face when dealing with their Provident Fund claims, making it one of the biggest financial hurdles in India today.

Since its launch in 2023, FinRight has assisted over 5,000 customers on their PF withdrawals and online PF claims, offering a unique combination of tech-driven and human support around intricate rules and processes to provide personalised guidance and assistance. Individuals seeking to withdraw their EPF or resolve issues with EPF transfers can now turn to FinRight for seamless support. By visiting www.finright.in, users can access expert assistance powered by FinRight’s cutting-edge platform. The fintech startup ensures that EPF withdrawal requests initiated through its platform receive dedicated attention, significantly reducing the risk of rejection and simplifying the process for India’s workforce.

“Most people find understanding rules & processes around PF transfers and PF withdrawals daunting. The market is crowded with unorganized PF agents and PF consultants who lack expertise, provide inconsistent service, and often charge exorbitant fees. We saw an opportunity to deliver professional, transparent, and affordable solutions to simplify Provident Fund claims for everyone. Our goal is to empower individuals to access their money without stress or delays” said Amey Kanekar, Co-founder of Finright Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

FinRight is gearing up to introduce digital automation to tackle EPF issues seamlessly by integrating EPFO APIs and employing AI, the founder revealed. “8/10 people discover problems with their EPF only when they need funds, and that’s a challenge we aim to address head-on,” he said. As part of this initiative, FinRight will soon launch a “Get Your EPF Reviewed” online service, empowering users to identify discrepancies instantly in their EPF accounts with just a few clicks.

FinRight’s impact is best demonstrated through the experiences of its customers, who have successfully navigated complex online PF withdrawals issues with the platform’s help:

* Vikas K., Tech Professional in Delhi: “After leaving a tech company where I worked for eight years, I struggled to withdraw my Rs37 lakh EPF due to a mismatch in my father’s name and errors from a subsidiary transfer. My claims were rejected 16 times. FinRight stepped in with a joint declaration and rigorous follow-ups with EPFO, resolving the discrepancies and enabling a successful PF withdrawal within a month. Their expertise in handling Provident Fund withdrawal was a huge relief.”

* Ganesh R., Healthcare Professional in Chennai: “After 20 years across 3 organizations, my online PF withdrawal claim was rejected, citing ‘insufficient service.’ This PF claim rejection occurred because the employer had failed to correctly update my service. Despite seeking help from multiple PF consultants and PF agents, the issue persisted. That’s when FinRight came to my rescue. They helped me navigate the complex process between employers & EPFO, ensuring my service records were updated. This enabled me to access Rs75 lakhs of my PF balance”.

Angel Funding:

FinRight, driven by its mission to simplify personal finance challenges, has secured seed funding from investors. The startup aims to broaden its offerings to tackle additional personal finance pain points, including insurance claims, taxation, and estate planning. Simultaneously, it plans to scale its operations to major Indian cities, reinforcing its position as a trusted leader in financial assistance and provident fund services.

Continue Reading

Technology

AI-Powered WhatsApp Bot to Simplify Solar Consultations by Bigwit Energy

Published

on

The new WhatsApp bot from Bigwit Energy streamlines the solar consultation process, offering personalized guidance, detailed proposals, and easy scheduling for site visits.

Bigwit Energy Pvt. Ltd., a trailblazer in solar energy solutions, has unveiled its latest innovation: an AI-powered WhatsApp bot designed to streamline the solar consultation process. This revolutionary tool offers personalized guidance, detailed proposals, and seamless scheduling for site visits, making solar energy adoption more accessible than ever.

The WhatsApp bot is a one-stop solution for customers exploring solar energy options. It addresses queries about solar power systems, explains the benefits of solar installations, and provides tailored advice on system configurations. By leveraging AI, the bot ensures precise, personalized and unbiased interactions, catering to the unique requirements of every user.

Key Features of the WhatsApp Bot:

  • Instant Guidance: Customers can ask questions such as:
    • “What solar plant size is suitable for my home?”
    • “Whats the difference between an off-grid and hybrid system?”
    • “Which system matches my energy needs?”
  • Custom Proposals: After analyzing customer inputs, the bot generates a comprehensive proposal detailing the recommended solar plant size, estimated energy savings, and potential return on investment.
  • Easy Scheduling: Customers can book site visits directly through the bot, allowing Bigwit Energy’s technical experts to assess locations for optimal solar installations.

How to Access the Bot: To connect with the solar bot, customers can send a WhatsApp message to +91 9325449627 or click here to start a chat. The platform offers quick, accurate responses and personalized recommendations, making the transition to solar energy simple and stress-free.

Bigwit Energy is enhancing the bot with additional capabilities, including a quotation comparison tool. Soon, customers will be able to upload multiple vendor quotations to receive an “apple-to-apple” comparison. This feature will provide unbiased insights, simplifying decision-making and ensuring customers choose the best value solution.

Future Developments: The company is also developing a support bot integrated with online inverters. This tool will assist customers in diagnosing technical issues, optimizing solar plant performance, and scheduling maintenance. Whether addressing system errors or maximizing power output, the support bot will act as a 24/7 virtual assistant for post-installation support.

“Our mission is to make solar energy accessible and hassle-free for everyone,” said Subodh Mahajan, Founder of Bigwit Energy Pvt. Ltd. “This WhatsApp bot represents a significant step forward in delivering transparency and efficiency, from consultation to installation. It embodies our commitment to customer empowerment and sustainable energy solutions.”

By automating and optimizing the consultation process, Bigwit Energy reinforces its position as a leader in innovative solar solutions. The WhatsApp bot not only saves time but also empowers customers to make informed decisions, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future.

Continue Reading

Technology

ProAce and Star Navigation Systems Launch ProAce Star India, Revolutionizing Aviation and Railway Safety in India

Published

on

New Delhi [India], December 5: In a groundbreaking collaboration, ProAce Business Solutions Inc. and Star Navigation Systems Group Ltd. have announced the launch of ProAce Star India Private Limited. This joint venture aims to transform India’s aviation and railway sectors by enhancing safety and operational efficiency through state-of-the-art technology.

The initiative introduces the In-Flight Safety Monitoring System (ISMS), featuring a proprietary Identical Twin System and real-time monitoring capabilities, seamlessly integrated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR). These advancements are tailored to meet the unique demands of the Indian aviation market while aligning with the country’s “Make in India” initiative.

Cutting-Edge Technology for Enhanced Safety

Star Navigation, a global leader in real-time monitoring technology, has revolutionized aviation with its innovative systems. Their patented technology relays data seamlessly from aircraft to satellite and then to customer ground stations, powered by an advanced graphical user interface integrating AI and AR. Dubbed the “identical twin” by Star, the system provides unprecedented real-time analytics and insights.

ProAce Business Solutions Inc., renowned for its success in introducing high-impact technologies to global markets, brings its strategic expertise to help Star Navigation penetrate the Indian market. Together, the two companies have joined forces under ProAce Star India to implement these advanced solutions, enhancing aviation safety and efficiency across the country.

Driving Profits and Efficiency in Aviation

ProAce Star India is set to deliver transformative benefits across the aviation sector:

Continue Reading

Technology

TalentGenius Launches TalentAgent in India: AI-Powered Career Success Platform for Tech Professionals

Published

on

Thousands of New India-based Tech Opportunities Available.  

San Francisco, CA – November 19, 2024 — TalentGenius, the leading career management and job search platform for tech professionals, announces the expansion of its job listings to include India. The platform now offers tens of thousands of career opportunities specifically for the country’s tech professionals, with a focus on global system integrators (GSIs) and global capability centers (GCCs). 

The TalentGenius TalentAgent™ tool goes beyond traditional job search filters by AI-powering users to find precisely the jobs they’re looking for with unmatched accuracy. By analysing user preferences, skills, and career goals, TalentAgent presents perfectly tailored matches, making the process of finding the right job faster and easier. 

“We’re excited to bring our career success platform to Indian technology professionals with this significant expansion,” said Malcolm Frank, CEO of TalentGenius. “Our mission is to empower our users to thrive in the AI economy. TalentAgent puts the power of AI on the side of talent, giving job seekers greater control and precision by cutting through irrelevant listings and delivering top-quality matches that align perfectly with their skills and ambitions.”

As part of this commitment, TalentGenius offers several advanced tools to equip tech professionals in India with powerful, career-advancing insights:

  • AIX – AI Exposure Score: A personalized AI Exposure Score helps users understand how AI is shaping their current role and influencing their career path. This tool empowers professionals to take a proactive approach to their AI-readiness.
  • Skills Analysis: Allows users to analyse their existing skills against their peers, and gives a quick snapshot of which skills are in demand and which ones are less competitive. From here users can build a plan to increase their marketability and earning potential. 
  • AI Tools Recommendations – Using individual profiles, TalentAgent matches AI tools to each user, giving them what they need to use and learn in order to do their job better and upskill themselves in an AI-powered environment. 

TalentGenius is designed to be more than just a job search site. The platform empowers tech professionals to adapt and thrive in an evolving job market. “We’re setting a new standard in how candidates find and build careers,” added Frank. “Our tools enable professionals not only to find the right role but to continuously grow in their field with the latest insights in AI-driven job readiness.”

About TalentGenius

TalentGenius provides career management and job search solutions for technology professionals, alongside advanced talent sourcing and AI assessment  tools for businesses. With its AI-driven job-matching tool, TalentAgent, and powerful features like the AI Exposure Score (AIX) and Skills Analysis modules, TalentGenius simplifies the job search process for users and supports companies in finding and evaluating top talent inside and outside their organisations. TalentGenius’s global reach now includes tens of thousands of tech job listings in India, with more expansions on the horizon.  

For more information, please visit TalentGenius.io/Signup or contact:  

Crystal Parra  

Marketing Director  

crystal@talentgenius.io

Continue Reading

Technology

Chery PHEVs’ 1700+ KM Challenging Test Tour Global KOCs Praise the Power and Range

Published

on

From October 14th to October 16th, Chery’s two PHEV models embarked on a 1,700+ KM journey, starting from a tour of Guangzhou’s Hua’e Lou, followed by the driving challenge at Mount Longhu, and concluding with the ecological protection experience at Poyang Lake, before arriving at Chery’s headquarters in Wuhu, China. With their impressive power, extended range, and efficient charging technologies, the vehicles garnered unanimous praise from invited KOCs.

During the driving challenge at Mount Longhu, the Tiggo 9 PHEV and Arrizo 8 PHEV became the center of attention thanks to their remarkable power performance and intelligent control systems. Faced with the winding roads of Mount Longhu, the Tiggo 9 PHEV’s 1.5T engine paired with the third-generation DHT hybrid transmission proved its prowess. The 4WD version boasted an output power of up to 450 kW and a peak torque of 915 N·m, effortlessly handling steep slopes and complex terrain, allowing drivers to experience the thrill of driving fully.

The Arrizo 8 PHEV has an advanced 1.5TGDI fifth-generation hybrid engine, a market highlight due to its ultra-low fuel consumption and high performance. The engine demonstrates outstanding energy utilization with a thermal efficiency of up to 44.5%. It also delivers a maximum power of 115 kW and a peak torque of 220 N·m, ensuring a powerful and smooth driving experience.

The intelligent control systems of both models played a crucial role in the driving challenge. The Tiggo 9 PHEV features an all-dimensional intelligent driving safety system equipped with 30 active safety configurations, including L2.9-level ADAS, highway navigation, and memory parking, offering comprehensive safety for drivers. Meanwhile, the Arrizo 8 PHEV, with its advanced intelligent control system, provides real-time vehicle monitoring and precise adjustments, allowing drivers to enjoy driving fun while feeling secure.

During the Poyang Lake ecological protection experience, the Tiggo 9 PHEV and Arrizo 8 PHEV showcased their long-range capabilities, low energy consumption, and external power supply functions. The vehicles’ range capabilities were fully displayed against Poyang Lake’s expansive waters and surrounding natural scenery. The Tiggo 9 PHEV, depending on configuration, offers an all-electric range of 100/170 km, with a total range exceeding 1,400 km. The Arrizo 8 PHEV also provides a total range of over 1,400 km when fully charged, with an all-electric range exceeding 127 km. This range capability allows drivers to enjoy the natural beauty while handling long-distance travel needs easily.

In the Poyang Lake ecological protection experience, both models’ external power supply functions were also put to good use. Whether for outdoor camping or other power-requiring scenarios, the vehicles’ external power supply functions provide stable electricity for various devices, allowing drivers to enjoy the natural surroundings with practical and convenient power solutions.

Through these immersive activities, the Tiggo 9 PHEV and Arrizo 8 PHEV once again demonstrated Chery’s leading position in PHEV technology with their excellent power performance, intelligent control systems, long-range capabilities, low energy consumption, and external power functions. Looking ahead, Chery will continue to uphold its brand values of green mobility, technological innovation, and family companionship, delivering more premium and eco-friendly automotive products to consumers.

Company: Chery Automobile Co., Ltd.

Contact Person: Chery Automobile

Email: cherybrand@mychery.com

Website: https://www.cheryinternational.com/

Country: China

City: AnHui

Continue Reading

Trending