New AI model developed at Western detects strawberry diseases [Video]

Research from Western University could help farmers get out of a jam by using artificial intelligence (AI) and camera monitoring to enhance strawberry cultivation.

A new paper produced by local researchers aims to use machine learning to predict ripeness and detect diseases early.

The hope is that the findings of John M. Thompson Chair in Information Technology and Innovation at Western Engineering Joshua Pearce, electrical and computer engineering professor Soodeh Nikan, and their collaborators will help extend the growing season of strawberries in Canada.

They managed to increase the accuracy of their study by monitoring their strawberries in a controlled environment – using indoor hydroponics, and grow lights.

“We have greatly increased accuracy in detecting different diseases and also sensing the brightness of the strawberries, which is crucial for understanding the quality of the crop and determining the best times to pick,” said Nikan.

Their computer system achieved nearly 99 …