New sensor could revolutionise crop monitoring

Pic/RMIT University

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An international team of engineers has developed a compact, lightweight sensor system with infrared imaging capabilities that can be easily fitted to drones for remote crop monitoring. This flat-optics technology, which could replace traditional optical lenses, allows farmers to precisely identify crop needs for irrigation, fertilisation, and pest control, potentially leading to higher yields and cheaper groceries. Published in Nature Communications, the sensor system rapidly switches between edge detection and detailed infrared imaging, reducing data volume and the need for bulky processors.

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