Citrus growers fight disease with robot helicopters

Jeff Darby · 15th August 2011, 07:01 PM

It's good to see so called "toys" turned into a fine innovative tool...

Quote:

Citrus growers fight disease with robot helicopters
Tuesday, 26/07/2011
Scientists in the US have begun using small remote-controlled helicopters to help farmers detect diseases and stress in their crops.
The helicopters, which have up to eight rotors, fly by themselves using GPS waypoints, taking photographs and measurements that allow farmers to keep an eye on what their crops are doing without even leaving home.
The research is proving particularly useful for citrus growers, allowing producers to easily detect tree health problems that aren't visible to the human eye.
"I am very very confident that this is going to be the way of the future," said lead researcher, Associate Professor Reza Ehsani, from the University of Florida.
"I think this is even more attractive for smaller [growers]. It's very easy to learn ... because it has the capability of waypoint navigation."
The cameras can take both normal and infra-red images which reveal tree stress that can't normally be detected by visual inspection.
The 'octo-copters', which cost around US$10,000-$14,000, can also be used to provide yield estimations and manage drainage issues.

Quote:

Associate Professor Reza Ehsani says GPS controlled 'octo-copters' are the way of the future in citrus disease detection. (Mikayla Marvin )

Citrus growers fight disease with robot helicopters

Click the link to hear the Professor discuss the 'Octo-copter'

Eric Frei · 15th August 2011, 08:03 PM

Great idea.

Imagine of the Poms got it, soon you'd need a licence for that too!

15th August 2011, 08:03 PM	#2
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,993	Re: Citrus growers fight disease with robot helicopters Great idea. Imagine of the Poms got it, soon you'd need a licence for that too! __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

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