IoT, Sensors and Tracking
Application of IoT in agriculture could be a life changer for humanity and the whole planet. Currently, we witness how extreme weather, deteriorating soil and drying lands, collapsing ecosystems that play a crucial role in agriculture make food production harder and harder.
IoT and Sensors in Equipment
Much like the technology within the field, sensors are being placed on agricultural equipment to track the health of the machine and more. Using the term “precision agriculture” tractors and other farming equipment are being manufactured with navigation systems and a variety of sensors. Some of these sensors are built with the capability to compensate for uneven terrain using GPS. Some are built for yield mapping and harvest documentation, right from the cab of the implement. While others are monitoring when tractors need to be serviced. All together, these sensors are reducing the amount of downtime machines experience.
RFID Sensors and Tracking
After crops are harvested, RFID sensors can be used to track food from the field to the store. The end user, or the consumer, will be able to follow a detailed trail about the food they consume from the farm it came to the location where it was purchased. This technology could increase trustworthiness for manufacturers and their responsibility to provide fresh produce and goods.
These tracking systems could reduce apprehension regarding allergens and health requirements for consumers. As for the farmer, the idea that their goods are being tracked will bring about a sense of relief. After all, they can ensure their products are making it safe to their consumer’s table.
Machine Learning and Analytics 