Environment - Trusting Disruption by Deltec

How Smart Cities Use Blockchain

Posted on June 5, 2023June 5, 2023 by Jean Chalopin

Smart cities, which use technology to improve citizens’ quality of life and optimise urban services, have rapidly grown in popularity. According to a recent report, the global smart city market is projected to reach $158 billion by 2022.

By utilising blockchain technology, smart cities can enhance their security, transparency, and efficiency in supply chain management, voting systems, and energy consumption. Implementing blockchain in smart cities benefits the citizens and creates sustainable and resilient urban environments.

This article explains what smart cities and blockchain technology are, and how they work together.

What Are Smart Cities?

A smart city is an urban area that leverages technology and data to improve its citizens’ quality of life, optimise resource use, and create more sustainable and efficient communities. By integrating connected devices and systems, smart cities analyse data to provide more efficient and effective services, from transportation to energy management to public safety.

One prime example of a smart city is Singapore, which has implemented numerous initiatives to enhance the living experience of its citizens. For example, the city-state has a sophisticated transportation system that uses data and technology to manage traffic flow and reduce congestion, making it easier and faster for residents to get around.

Singapore has also implemented smart waste management systems that use sensors to optimise collection schedules, reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, and increase recycling rates.

Another example of a smart city is Amsterdam, which strongly focuses on sustainability and green energy. The city has implemented several initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and increase the use of renewable energy sources.

For example, Amsterdam has a smart grid system that integrates renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, into the city’s energy mix. This helps reduce the city’s dependence on fossil fuels and increase clean, sustainable energy use.

Additionally, Amsterdam has implemented smart lighting systems that use sensors to automatically adjust the brightness of streetlights based on the presence of people, vehicles, and bikes, saving energy and reducing light pollution.

These are just a few examples of innovative initiatives implemented in smart cities worldwide. By leveraging technology and data, smart cities are creating more livable, sustainable, and efficient urban environments for their citizens.

What Is Blockchain?

Blockchain technology is a decentralised, distributed digital ledger that securely records transactions and information. It uses cryptography to link blocks of information together in a chain, creating a permanent and unalterable record of all transactions.

At the heart of blockchain technology sits a network of computers, called nodes, that work together to validate and process transactions. Each node has a copy of the entire blockchain, and the network’s consensus must validate any changes to the blockchain. This decentralised and distributed structure makes the blockchain resistant to tampering, hacking, and fraud.

The benefits of blockchain technology are numerous. One of the most significant benefits is increased security and transparency, as the decentralized and distributed nature of the blockchain makes it nearly impossible to alter or tamper with the information once it has been recorded. Additionally, blockchain technology can reduce the need for intermediaries, such as banks, to process transactions, lowering costs and increasing efficiency. It also enables secure and transparent tracking of assets, such as supply chains, voting systems, and intellectual property. It provides a safe and transparent platform for creating and managing digital assets like cryptocurrencies.

One example of how blockchain could work in smart cities is in the voting process. Voting systems can be susceptible to tampering, fraud, and errors. By implementing a blockchain-based voting system, each vote would be recorded as a secure transaction on the blockchain, providing a transparent and tamper-proof record of the election results. This would increase trust in the voting process and ensure that the results are accurate and fair.

Blockchain is a secure and trustworthy way of recording transactions and information in a decentralized manner, making it a valuable tool for various applications, including smart cities.

Why Smart Cities Need Blockchain Technology

Smart cities require secure, transparent, and decentralised technology to succeed. This is where blockchain technology comes in. It provides a secure, transparent platform for managing data and transactions in a decentralised manner.

One of the biggest challenges in smart cities is ensuring the integrity and security of the data that is collected and processed. Blockchain technology provides a secure and tamper-proof way of recording information, making it a valuable tool for ensuring the integrity of data in smart cities.

Additionally, the decentralised nature of blockchain makes it resistant to hacking, tampering, and other forms of fraud, providing a secure platform for collecting and processing sensitive data.

Another reason why smart cities need blockchain technology is to improve efficiency and reduce costs. By implementing blockchain-based systems, smart cities can reduce the need for intermediaries, such as banks, to process transactions. This can increase efficiency and reduce costs, freeing up resources that can be used to enhance other services and improve the quality of life for citizens.

Finally, blockchain technology enables secure and transparent tracking of assets, such as supply chains, voting systems, and intellectual property. In smart cities, this can be used to improve transparency and accountability and enhance the management of resources, such as energy and waste.

How Smart Cities Are Created With Blockchain

Building a smart city with blockchain technology requires careful planning, research, and collaboration. Here are some steps to get started:

Research and plan: Research existing smart cities and understand the challenges and opportunities they face. Identify areas where blockchain technology can be used to improve the quality of life for citizens, such as in managing waste, energy, transportation, and voting systems. Develop a plan for how blockchain technology can be used to solve specific problems and improve specific services in your city.
Build partnerships: Building a smart city with blockchain technology requires collaboration and partnerships. Partner with blockchain developers, government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector to share knowledge, resources, and expertise.
Choose the right technology: There are many different blockchain technologies available, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Choose the best technology suited to your specific needs and goals, and consider security, scalability, and interoperability factors.
Develop a pilot project: Start small by developing a pilot project to test your ideas and demonstrate the potential of blockchain technology. Choose a problem or service that can be improved with blockchain technology and create a proof-of-concept project to demonstrate the potential of the technology.
Engage with the community: Building a smart city with blockchain technology requires community engagement and participation. Engage with citizens and stakeholders to understand their needs and concerns and involve them in the planning and implementation of blockchain-based solutions.
Monitor and evaluate: Continuously monitor and evaluate your pilot project to understand its impact and identify areas for improvement. Share your results with the community and stakeholders to demonstrate blockchain technology’s benefits and encourage its wider adoption.

Building a smart city with blockchain technology requires careful planning, research, and collaboration. Following these steps, you can journey towards a more secure, efficient, and sustainable future.

How Did Singapore Become a Smart City?

Singapore has become a smart city through government leadership, innovative technology, and community engagement. The government of Singapore has taken a proactive approach to transform the city into a smart city. It has provided funding, resources, and support for developing and deploying smart city solutions. The government has also established policies and regulations that encourage innovation and collaboration between the public and private sectors, creating a supportive environment for developing smart city initiatives.

Singapore has also made significant investments in technology, including deploying smart city infrastructure, such as smart grids, sensors, and digital networks. This has enabled the city to collect and process large amounts of data, providing valuable insights into energy consumption, traffic flow, and waste management.

In addition to government leadership and investment in technology, community engagement has been crucial to the success of Singapore’s smart city initiatives. The government has worked closely with citizens and stakeholders to understand their needs and concerns and involved them in planning and implementing smart city solutions. This has helped to create a sense of ownership and involvement among citizens and encouraged their participation in developing a more sustainable, efficient, and livable city.

Risks Associated With Smart Cities

Smart cities can face many risks if they do not integrate blockchain technology. One significant risk is the security of sensitive information. In the absence of blockchain, smart cities may use centralised databases and systems to store and manage data, which can be vulnerable to cyber attacks, data breaches, and other forms of digital crime. This can compromise personal data, financial information, and critical infrastructure, causing harm to citizens and the city as a whole.

Another risk is the lack of transparency and accountability in data management. Without blockchain, there is a risk that data may be manipulated or misused without being detected, leading to potential privacy violations and ethical concerns. This can erode trust in government and civic institutions and undermine the legitimacy of smart city initiatives.

In addition, smart cities without blockchain may struggle to manage the increasing amounts of data generated by connected devices and sensors. This can lead to data silos and a lack of interoperability between different systems, hindering the ability of smart cities to make data-driven decisions and achieve their goals.

Finally, without blockchain, smart cities may not be able to ensure their data’s long-term security and preservation. This can result in the loss of valuable historical data and the inability to build on past achievements, which can hinder the progress of smart city initiatives.

Closing Thoughts

It is unlikely that every city will become a full-fledged smart city. The adoption of smart city technologies will likely vary depending on a range of factors, including the level of development of the city, the availability of resources and funding, and the priorities and needs of the citizens.

For those cities that do embrace smart city technologies, the future looks promising. With the integration of advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain, smart cities will be able to streamline their operations, provide more efficient and personalised services, and enhance the quality of life for their citizens.

The future of smart cities is bright and holds immense potential. As technology advances and the world becomes increasingly connected, more cities will likely adopt smart city technologies to improve the lives of their citizens and create more sustainable urban environments.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely the author’s opinion and not investment advice – it is provided for educational purposes only. By using this, you agree that the information does not constitute any investment or financial instructions. Do conduct your own research and reach out to financial advisors before making any investment decisions.

The author of this text, Jean Chalopin, is a global business leader with a background encompassing banking, biotech, and entertainment. Mr. Chalopin is Chairman of Deltec International Group, www.deltec.io.

The co-author of this text, Robin Trehan, has a bachelor’s degree in economics, a master’s in international business and finance, and an MBA in electronic business. Mr. Trehan is a Senior VP at Deltec International Group, www.deltec.io.

Smart Cities

Posted on April 7, 2023April 7, 2023 by Jean Chalopin

Smart cities are urban areas that combine technology and data to improve the quality of life of inhabitants and visitors, increase sustainability, and create more efficient systems to be used by all.

The smart city concept has been around since the 1970s. However, it has only recently gained significant traction due to technological advancements and the increasing focus on sustainability and efficiency.

Understanding Smart Cities

One of the critical components of a smart city is the use of technology to gather and analyse data. This data can be used to optimise city services such as transportation, energy, and waste management.

For example, data can be obtained and processed to optimise traffic flows, reduce energy consumption, and reduce waste. This leads to a more efficient and sustainable city, which ultimately benefits the residents who live there.

Smart cities also aim to improve the quality of life for their citizens by making the city more accessible and livable. This goal is achieved by improving the city’s infrastructure and services, such as public transportation, healthcare, and education.

For example, a smart city might have a network of sensors and cameras that monitor air quality and traffic patterns, allowing city officials to respond to problems more quickly by rerouting traffic to less congested areas.

Origins of the Smart City

The concept of “smart cities” has existed for several decades, but it has evolved since its origins and become more widespread with recent technological advances. However, the intelligent city idea goes back to the 1970s, with Los Angeles’ first urban big data project named: ‘A Cluster Analysis of Los Angeles’.

It isn’t easy to pinpoint a single person or organisation as the originator of the ‘smart city’ term. Smart cities as a term first appeared in the 1990s and were defined with several definitions that included six dimensions to measure a smart city’s development:

· Smart people

· Smart economy

· Smart governance

· Smart mobility

· Smart life

· Smart environment

Another early pioneer in smart cities is Enrique Peñalosa, the former Mayor of Bogotá, Colombia, from 1998-2001 and from 2016-2019. Peñalosa introduced innovative urban development and transportation policies, including creating a bike lane network and implementing a bus rapid transit system.

In recent years, innovative city development has been driven by private sector companies, such as IBM, Siemens, and Cisco, as well as government initiatives and research organisations. For example, IBM was the first company to use the term ‘Smart City’ in their Smarter City Challenge program, which developed their centralisation of data vision of urbanisation with a security focus that crosses the world.

The Smart City Council, a global organisation focused on promoting the development of smart cities, was founded in 2012 and has become a leading voice in the field.

Overall, the idea of smart cities has been developed and shaped by several individuals, organisations, and governments over the years and continues to evolve as technology advances and urban populations continue to grow.

The Smartest Cities

One example of a flourishing smart city is Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Amsterdam has implemented several innovative smart city initiatives, including a smart grid that optimises energy consumption, a smart transportation system that reduces congestion and improves traffic flow, and a smart waste management system that reduces waste and increases recycling. These initiatives have helped Amsterdam to become a more efficient and sustainable city while also improving the quality of life for its residents.

Another example is Singapore, which has been named one of the world’s smartest cities. Singapore has implemented several smart city initiatives, including a smart transportation system that uses technology to optimise traffic flow and reduce congestion.

Additionally, Singapore has implemented a smart energy grid that uses data to optimise energy consumption and reduce waste. These initiatives have helped Singapore to become a more sustainable and efficient city while also improving the quality of life for its residents.

Dubai’s Smart City project has adopted a strategy calling for the transformation of around 1,000 government services, focusing on the following six key sectors:

· Transportation

· Infrastructure

· Communications

· Economic services

· Urban planning

· Electricity

Dubai implemented many initiatives within the above six sectors, which fall under the following categories:

· Simple and open access to data

· Smart transportation

· Optimising energy resources

· Smart parks and beaches

· Smartphone apps for policing

· New designated master control room

The Challenges

While the benefits of smart cities are clear, some significant challenges make smart city development and implementation difficult. One critical challenge is privacy and security. The use of technology and the creation of data in a smart city means that a large amount of personal information is being collected, which raises significant privacy concerns.

In addition, because of this data and the control these systems have over the lives of so many, there is a risk of hacking and cyber-attacks, which could compromise the security of the city’s systems. Imagine the disruption of water, power, traffic, or other city systems by a nefarious actor for criminal or terror reasons.

Another challenge must be dealt with is the high cost of implementing smart city initiatives. The technology and infrastructure required to create a smart city can be expensive, and there is a legitimate risk that the costs of such an implementation could outweigh the benefits.

The Future of Smart Cities

The future of smart cities is promising and exciting as technology advances and urban populations grow. With the rise of several new technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G networks, and artificial intelligence, smart cities have the potential to become even more efficient, sustainable, and livable in the years to come.

One of the key areas where smart cities are likely to continue to evolve is transportation. Self-driving cars, intelligent traffic management systems, and connected transportation networks are just a few examples of how technology will continue revolutionising how we move around cities. This will not only make transportation more efficient, but it will also help to reduce congestion and improve air quality.

Another area where smart cities are likely to evolve is in the area of energy management. With the increasing focus on sustainability and the need to reduce carbon emissions, smart cities will likely continue investing in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. Additionally, smart cities will likely be at the forefront of developing more efficient energy systems, using data and technology to optimise their energy consumption and reduce waste.

The development of smart cities is also likely to impact how their inhabitants live and work significantly. With the rise in popularity of the gig economy and the increasing number of remote workers, smart cities will have to adapt to accommodate these changes. These developments may include developing coworking spaces, flexible housing options, and integrating technology and connectivity into public spaces.

While the future of smart cities is exciting, some challenges must be addressed. One of the toughest challenges is ensuring the technology and infrastructure are secure and protecting citizens’ privacy.

In addition, with the ever-increasing amount of data being collected by smart cities, how this data is used will significantly impact the perception of its collection by the city’s residents. Therefore, it is essential that this data is stored and used responsibly and safeguards are in place to protect against hacking and cyber-attacks.

Closing Thoughts

The future of smart cities is exciting and holds great promise for the nearly 5 billion of us that live in urban areas. With advancements in technology and the increasing focus on sustainability and efficiency, smart cities have the potential to become even more livable, efficient, and sustainable in the years to come.

However, it is essential that smart city challenges of privacy, security, implementation costs, and inclusiveness are addressed and that smart city initiatives are implemented sustainably.

The author of this text, Jean Chalopin, is a global business leader with a background encompassing banking, biotech, and entertainment. Mr. Chalopin is Chairman of Deltec International Group, www.deltec.io.

What Is a Global Citizen?

Posted on February 24, 2023February 24, 2023 by Jean Chalopin

The term ‘Global Citizen’ has earned increasing attention in recent years as people worldwide become more aware of our interconnectedness and our actions’ impact on one another.

At its core, being a Global Citizen means recognising that we are all part of a larger global community and that we are responsible for taking actions that promote the well-being of people and the planet, both locally and globally. This includes valuing diversity, respecting human rights, promoting peace and justice, and working to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and other issues that affect people across borders.

Global Citizenship is not limited to nationality, religion, or culture. It’s a mindset and a way of living that emphasises our common humanity and our shared responsibility for the world we live in. It involves actively engaging with others, learning about different perspectives and cultures, and taking action to address social, economic, and environmental issues in our own communities and beyond.

A Global Citizen has the following key traits:

Awareness: Having a global perspective and understanding of how our actions impact others in different parts of the world.
Empathy: Showing empathy for those who are different from us and being willing to learn from their experiences.
Action: Taking action to address issues that affect people and the planet, such as volunteering, donating to charities, and supporting policies that promote social and environmental justice.
Collaboration: Working with others across different backgrounds, cultures, and sectors to find solutions to complex global challenges.

Being a Global Citizen is about recognising that our actions have consequences that extend past our immediate surroundings. It’s to take responsibility for promoting a more just, equitable, and sustainable world for all people, regardless of where they were born, where they live, and how they identify.

This article delves into these traits shared by Global Citizens worldwide, what they care about today, and examples of what they’ve done with their success.

A Global Citizen Is Aware

They maintain constant awareness of the interconnected world–that there are expanded ripple effects to our actions. They understand that there are social, economic and environmental issues that affect people in different parts of the world and that it’s essential to be informed about these issues.

For example, a Global Citizen makes a point to learn different cultures and languages and seeks opportunities in line with their passions. They recognise not only the potential to make a difference but to benefit themselves and add to their life while doing so.

Although renowned late Beatle singer George Harrison passed away two decades ago, he lived ahead of his time and set the definition for a Global Citizen. In 1971, he organised the first benefit concert, The Concert for Bangladesh, which strove to raise awareness and help save the lives of 10 million East Pakistani refugees suffering from disease and starvation.

Five decades on, this concert remains one of Mr. Harrison’s hallmark achievements and added to the permanent legacy of world-changing music.

A Global Citizen Is Empathetic

They waste no time in showing empathy for others, especially those who are different from themselves. They recognise that there are many factors that influence a person’s experiences, such as their culture, gender, sexuality, religion, economic status, and race. A Global Citizen seeks to understand these factors and remain open to learning from others.

For example, a Global Citizen might participate in cultural exchange programs, learn a new language, or volunteer to support people in marginalised communities. They are aware that their own experiences are limited and that they can benefit from understanding the life stories of others.

Wawira Njiru earned the headline’ novice cook to international icon’ for her dedication to transforming Kenyan schoolchildren’s lives through access to food. She launched the group Food for Education which targets explicitly the cycle of poverty and showcases how it can end with a simple, good meal. She has now served over nine million meals.

A Global Citizen Understands Action

They don’t hesitate when the time comes to stop planning, and start doing. A Global Citizen is someone who takes action to address global challenges, both locally and globally. They recognise that there are many issues facing our world, such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and other environmental issues, and they’re willing to take action to address these challenges.

For example, a Global Citizen might volunteer for a local charity, donate to a global relief organisation, or advocate for policies that promote social and environmental justice. They recognise that their own actions can make a difference and that collective action is necessary to create positive change.

Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and CEO of Chobani, champions fully-paid parental leave, local food banks, and trustworthy food programs for local schools. Further, he founded the Tent Partnership for Refugees, which seeks to provide hiring, training, and mentorship for refugees. Most are aware of the world’s crises, but it comes down to extending a helping hand.

A Global Citizen Collaborates

They don’t live on an island, alone, king of a kingdom-of-one. A Global Citizen is someone who works with others to find solutions to complex global challenges. They recognise that no one person, organisation, or nation can solve these challenges alone, and that collaboration across different backgrounds, cultures, and sectors is necessary.

For example, a Global Citizen might participate in community forums, join a global network of activists, or collaborate with organisations to address issues such as poverty, climate change, or social injustice. They recognise that different perspectives and experiences can enrich the solutions we develop, and that working together is necessary to create meaningful change.

Richard Curtis has worked with numerous organisations and projects, such as Comic Relief, Red Nose Day, Projet Everyone, and Make Poverty History. His collaborations have led to the fundraising of over a billion US dollars for the benefit of children and vulnerable people worldwide.

Closing Thoughts

Awareness, empathy, action, and collaboration–in that order. Global Citizens understand they’re on Earth to contribute, to do something, and help make something great. They utilise their unique talent or profession, be that music, business management, or cooking, and make it the bedrock of an enterprise far greater than themselves.

Ironically and because of it, they become much more; memorable individuals we read about in magazines or hear of in podcasts. And it doesn’t take $10,000–not even $1,000. Wawira started with a single Kenyan meal, and later became one of the world’s most remarkable success stories under 30 years old.

By combining a singular passion with a greater focus, entrepreneurs transition from the realm of ‘good’ to ‘great’. It’s this reason that prompted Deltec to launch the Deltec Initiatives Foundation, empowering young Bahamians, and Deltec Cares, a global disaster relief effort.

Disclaimer: The author of this text, Jean Chalopin, is a global business leader with a background encompassing banking, biotech, and entertainment. Mr. Chalopin is Chairman of Deltec International Group, www.deltec.io.

The co-author of this text, Conor Scott, CFA, has been active in the wealth management industry since 2011. Mr. Scott is a Writer for Deltec International Group, www.deltec.io.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this text are solely the views of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect those of Deltec International Group, its subsidiaries, and/or its employees. This information should not be interpreted as an endorsement of cryptocurrency or any specific provider, service, or offering. It is not a recommendation to trade.

AI in Agriculture

Posted on December 9, 2022December 9, 2022 by Jean Chalopin

Artificial intelligence, drones, and robots are already being deployed on large farms to assist with several farm management tasks for crops and livestock. However, there are some risks that must be accounted for when turning over our food production to AI-driven machines.

We will discuss the benefits that AI can bring to the world of agriculture, including some applications that are already in place to help our farmers produce more and better-quality food. We will then discuss some potential pitfalls we must be aware of if we turn over our food supply to machines.

AI’s Potential

AI has brought to the world countless tools for personal and industrial use. With agriculture, it has delivered the potential to increase yields, keep pests away, and reduce costs in nearly all parts of farm management.

Our farmers need to know how best to use these tools, and we need to understand how their application can be a benefit. There are already AI applications that are worthwhile and are providing users with successful results. Let us see how the grass is greener on the AI side.

The Smart Farm

AI is leading to smart farms with farming models that have high cognitive ability. This technology is focused on a few specific areas.

Data and Analysis

With new equipment, farms can be set up to track and analyze multiple data points. For example, a farmer can use a drone to review a large tract of land and identify the exact location of a pest infestation or plant disease in real-time. This mass of data has boosted information accuracy and can help farmers make informed decisions when analyzed with AI models.

Robotics and Automation

Robots are used for farm activities such as picking, thinning, and sorting to speed up manual labor work and deal with any labor shortages. The goal is to increase productivity, consistency, and quality while minimizing errors.

Predictions

AI models have been designed to predict changes to weather patterns, soil erosion, and pest infestations to improve farm management and planning. These tools allow farmers to see into the future, assisting them with informed decision-making.

Like other industries, agriculture faces similar constraints related to its use of AI, such as compatibility with current technology, resource availability, security, and potential regulatory issues. Even with these constraints, the future farms will be highly dependent on AI, making them more precise and creating a new “cognitive farm.”

Digital Farmers

AI is revolutionizing one of our oldest industries and giving farmers multiple ways to produce more abundant harvests in all parts of the world. With this transformation, farms will now require digital farmers, men and women, which can push forward these technological changes, managing future farms in new ways.

Tools and People

New farm managers must understand and use the correct tools to their farm’s benefit. While extensive technical knowledge is not needed, understanding the basic principles behind the technology and, more importantly, the technology’s operational implications are necessary. Through AI, farm managers can better understand the inner workings of their farms.

The changing technology means that farm talent must be updated. Beyond the typical farming roles, farms will require employees with technological skills. The entire organization will need defined education to stay on top of the AI farming future.

New Ways of Farming

Farmers will need to leave their comfort zones and explore new collaborative opportunities. This change will involve collaboration with new companies to obtain cutting-edge technologies that will allow a farm to acquire a competitive advantage and boost productivity. These partnerships provide inimitable technologies, giving farmers the upper hand, but these technologies work best for large farms.

Cost advantages are most significant with economies of scale. So, managers will benefit by finding strength in numbers. AI tools can be expensive, beyond the reach of the small farm. When collaborating with other farms, cooperatives, suppliers, universities, local communities, and the government, these costs can be driven down.

AI’s Current Applications

AI currently monitors soil, detects pests, determines diseases, and applies intelligent spraying. Here are a few of the current applications farmers are already using today.

Crop Monitoring

Crop health relies on micro and macronutrients in the soil to produce yields but with quantity and quality. Once the crops are planted, monitoring their growth to optimize production is also needed. Understanding the interaction between growth and the environment is vital to adjust for healthy crops. Traditionally this was done through human observation and experience, but this method is neither accurate nor speedy.

Now drones capture aerial data, then train computer models to intelligently monitor crops and soil. This AI system can use the collected data to:

Track the health of the crops
Accurately predict yields
Identify crop malnutrition

This can all be done faster than a human could, in real-time, providing farmers with specific problem areas so they can take immediate actions to prevent problems before they grow.

Determining Crop Maturity

Wheat head growth is a labor-intensive process that can be aided with AI. Over a three-year period, researchers collected wheat head images at different stages with different lighting, building a two-step wheat ear detection system. The AI model was able to outperform human observation, allowing farmers not to have to make daily visits to fields to check on the crops.

Similarly, tomato ripeness has been determined with AI.

A different study examined how well AI can detect maturity in tomatoes. The researchers built a model looking at the color of five different parts of a tomato, then made maturity estimates. The algorithm could correctly classify tomatoes with a 99.31% accuracy.

Generally, evaluating soil involves digging up samples and sending them to the lab for analysis. AI researchers have used image data from a cheap microscope to train their model to do the same task. The model was able to make sand content and soil organic matter estimates with accuracy similar to costly and slower lab analyses.

Disease and Insect Detection

Using deep learning, farmers are now automating the detection of plant diseases and pests. This is done through image classification and segmentation.

A study looked at the apple black rot and used a deep neural network AI model to identify the four stages of disease severity. Like with the other models above, the disease identification process is labor-intensive. This project was able to identify the disease severity at an accuracy of 90.4%.

Similarly, a different study was able to use the YOLO v3 algorithm and was able to identify multiple pests and diseases on tomato plants. Using only a digital camera and smartphone, researchers identified twelve different cases of disease or pests. Once trained, it was able to detect problems with an accuracy of 92.39%, taking only 20.39 milliseconds.

Source: Frontiers In

Another study used sticky traps to collect six flying insects and collect images. They then based the course counting on object detection and fine-counting results. The model identified bees, mosquitoes, moths, flies, chafers, and fruit flies with a 90.18% accuracy and a 92.5% counting accuracy.

Livestock Monitoring

Animals are a major component of our food system and need even more tracking than plants. Companies are now offering tools to track cattle and chickens. CattleEye tracks and annotates key points for individual cows.

Source: CattleEye

The system uses overhead cameras to monitor animal health and behavior, allowing a rancher to spot a problem and be notified without being next to the cow.

By collecting data with cameras and drones, this kind of software is being used to count animals, detect disease, monitor birthing, and identify unusual behavior. It also confirms access to food and water.

Smart Spraying

AI also prevents problems in the first place. Drones help with the spraying of fertilizer and pesticides uniformly across a field. They operate with high precision in real-time, spraying correctly and reducing contamination risk to animals, humans, and water resources.

This is a growing field and is best performed by multiple drones, but intelligent spraying is getting better. Virginia Tech researchers developed a smart spray system that can detect weeds.

A camera mounted on a sprayer records the geolocation of the weeds, analyzing their size, shape, and color, and then delivers a precise amount of herbicide.

The device’s accuracy prevents collateral damage to other crops in the environment.

Risks of AI in Agriculture

All these different AI applications will help us monitor and improve our food systems, helping feed the 2.4 billion people suffering from food insecurity. AI can reduce labor inefficiency and increase reliability. However, there are some cautionary tales.

According to a release by Asaf Tzachor of Cambridge University, there could be flaws in the agricultural data, emphasizing productivity over environmental concern. This focus could lead to errors that cause over-fertilization and pesticide use, improper irrigation, and soil erosion. These factors must also be considered when designing AI systems. Inadvertent changes resulting in crop failures could result in massive food insecurity.

Cybersecurity is a second issue. Cyberattacks could disrupt entire food systems, especially for farms that rely heavily on AI.

Finally, those without access to the new technology could be cut out of markets. Big farmers will profit, and small farms will be locked out of the gains entirely if they cannot afford the AI infrastructure.

Planning Ahead

As in all enterprises, diligence and conscientious planning contribute to farming success. Farmers must plan their AI strategy by optimizing their operations and yield requires thoughtful assessment. This planning involves a thorough review of priorities and a clear implementation plan.

AI provides tools that can boost a farm’s yields, and transform the industry. Increases in agricultural production on a large scale will impact a country’s GDP, increase food security, and positively impact the environment. The US had just over two million farms in 2021, averaging 445 acres each, totaling 89.5 million across the country.

Analytics and robotics boosts production on almost any farm. AI-related productivity gains can reshape the farming business and improve our global food supply. This is a way we can counteract the climate factors that could affect corn, rice, soy, and wheat production by 20-49%.

Closing Thoughts

Since the advent of agriculture, technology has improved its efficiency. From plows and irrigation to tractors and AI, we have moved forward to feed our growing population. With the ongoing changes to our climate, AI has arrived just in time to save us all from potential food insecurity. We must use AI to increase efficiency and reduce food production costs while also improving environmental sustainability. Doing so can make our farmers “smarter” and give us more and healthier foods.

If small farmers can work together and take full advantage of these new AI tools, they can compete with large industrial farms. We also have to ensure that the systems that are put into place are safe and have an all-encompassing view that does not only focus on yields but the potential environmental effects. Sustainability remains crucial, and AI is the missing piece.