Razvoj in uvajanje nizkocenovnih optičnih sortirnikov v rastlinski pridelavi na kmetiji

The OPTIFARM project focuses on the challenges of digitalizing agriculture by developing an affordable optical sorter that uses artificial intelligence to efficiently sort crops such as potatoes and apples. The project aims to automate the sorting process, increase efficiency in the use of working time and resources, and improve the quality and value of crops on farms. The key innovation of the project is the use of low-cost technology that will be accessible to a wide range of agricultural holdings and processing plants, including smaller farms. The project will involve various partners, from research institutions and advisory organizations to farms, who will be actively involved in all phases, from development to practical testing of the solution in a real environment. Special emphasis is placed on the practical applicability and adaptability of the technology, which allows the sorter to be trained for different types of crops. The project also includes knowledge transfer activities, such as workshops, demonstrations and the preparation of teaching materials, with the aim of educating and disseminating the results in the farming community. OPTIFARM thus contributes to the technological advancement of agriculture, the sustainable management of natural resources, and the promotion of the use of advanced digital solutions in rural areas.

The general objectives of the project Development of a low-cost optical sorter for use on farms are: To develop an affordable and technologically advanced solution that enables accurate identification and sorting of agricultural products based on visual characteristics such as size, shape, color and quality; Increasing the efficiency and productivity of agricultural processes: To optimize sorting procedures, reduce manual labor and increase the speed and accuracy of crop sorting; Reducing crop losses and improving the quality of final products: By accurately identifying unsuitable crops, reduce waste and improve the quality of sorted crops for sale or processing; Promoting the introduction of digital and automated solutions on small and medium-sized farms: To make technology accessible to farmers with limited financial and technological capabilities, thereby contributing to a more even development of agriculture; Improving the sustainability of agricultural processes: To reduce energy consumption and increase the use of sustainable practices through automation that requires fewer resources to operate.

Within the OPTIFARM project, we expect the following key results to be ready for practical use: Low-cost optical sorter developed and tested: The prototype will enable accurate and efficient sorting of crops such as potatoes and apples using artificial intelligence and machine vision systems; Large-scale database (Bog Data) established for training AI models: As part of practical tests on farms, extensive databases of crop images will be established, containing at least 10,000 tagged images. These databases will also be available for further use by research institutions and other stakeholders; Practical validations on farms: The sorter will be tested in real conditions on participating farms, which will ensure its adaptability to different user needs; Increased accessibility of the technology: The low-cost nature of the sorter will enable the accessibility of the technology for small and medium-sized farms and agro-processing plants; Farmer education and training: Workshops and materials that will enable farmers to easily implement the technology and optimize its use.