35. How Can Robots Revolutionize Farming with See-and-Spray Technology? with Jim Ostrowski

2023-09-05 · 1:29:58
Agriculture
Row crops
See-and-spray

In this episode you'll learn about robotics in agriculture. We talk to Jim Ostrowski, CTO of Blue River Technology, about their See-and-Spray technology, Blue River's partnership with John Deere, deep learning, and the future of robotics in agriculture. Don't miss this episode if you want to see a great example of a high impact problem that robots are well suited for.


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Outline

  • 0:00:00 - Start
  • 0:03:02 - How does their system work?
  • 0:10:09 - Image processing to spray weeds
  • 0:17:27 - Discussion on labor
  • 0:21:48 - Herbicide resistance
  • 0:26:31 - Genetically modified crops
  • 0:27:50 - Monocrop cultures
  • 0:32:43 - Regenerative agriculture
  • 0:35:17 - Partnering with John Deere
  • 0:36:02 - Jim’s background in Blue River
  • 0:37:37 - Deep learning technology
  • 0:38:31 - Risks of deep learning
  • 0:41:29 - Labeling for deep learning
  • 0:41:54 - Autonomous tillage
  • 0:43:50 - Challenges in tillage
  • 0:45:10 - Why tillage is a nice problem
  • 0:46:55 - Mentions monitoring the job
  • 0:47:40 - Using cameras to determine normal function
  • 0:48:58 - How to use deep learning in tilling
  • 0:50:42 - Getting into other areas like construction at John Deere
  • 0:51:41 - Fully automated farms?
  • 0:55:36 - Harvesting will be the last task to be automated
  • 0:57:45 - What’s the progression of automating tasks on the farm?
  • 0:59:32 - Hydroponic farming?
  • 1:05:07 - Future at Blue River
  • 1:09:01 - Integrating with John Deere
  • 1:17:57 - Allocating space in new designs
  • 1:22:38 - Advice for a new graduate
  • 1:27:46 - Wrapping up