We are driving the future of farming through cutting-edge AI and advanced sensors, such as our spectral imaging technologies. Spectral imaging allows us to see what the human eye cannot, capturing light across multiple wavelengths to reveal hidden details in crops, soil and plant health. It’s a fusion of imaging and spectroscopy and it’s revolutionising agricultural diagnostics.
We work with three core technologies:
- Multispectral Imaging: Efficient and cost-effective, ideal for assessing plant health using indices like Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI).
- Hyperspectral Imaging: Offers detailed spectral “fingerprints” for precise analysis of crop conditions and soil composition.
- Fluorescence Imaging: Detects emitted light to monitor chlorophyll and molecular markers, enabling early stress detection.
These technologies are foundational to our intelligent agriculture solutions, enabling species identification, stress detection and non-destructive chemical analysis.
Our AI-driven innovation pathway
We offer a comprehensive suite of services designed to take your spectral imaging ideas from initial concept through to a fully commercialised product. Our process spans from understanding system requirements and identifying potential pitfalls, to implementation, unit testing and ultimately, market demonstration and commercialisation.
Understanding product needs
We begin by identifying the real-world challenges and opportunities. Leveraging our farm network, expert collaborators and in-house specialists, we ensure every project is grounded in practical agricultural insight.
Laboratory testing and spectral imaging exploration
In our Digital Phenotyping Lab, we use advanced imaging systems like the Hyperspectral Camera (VNIR/SWIR) and Videometer seed lab to detect minute spectral differences. This helps us uncover unique traits in crops and soil that can be used to build targeted AI models.
Controlled glasshouse trials
We scale up testing in our glasshouse facilities, including our Innovation Hub for Controlled Environment Agriculture (IHCEA). These trials simulate real-world conditions, validating lab results and refining AI models with robust data.
Remote sensing capabilities
With insights from the lab and glasshouse trials, we then move to field testing. Our UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) capabilities allow us to conduct large-scale surveys, gathering data across various terrains, which allows us to study organisms difficult to assess in controlled environments, such as forestry and livestock.
Data processing, analysis and AI
At every stage, we process and analyse data using advanced software and machine learning techniques. Our centralised data systems allow us to train AI models, such as random forest classifiers, to automate detection, classification and prediction tasks.
This integration of spectral data with AI enables:
- Predictive diagnostics
- Automated phenotyping
- Real-time decision support
- Scalable data-driven solutions
Commercialisation and market demonstration
Once refined, we support collaborators in bringing their solutions to market. From go-to-market strategies to live demonstrations on our smart farms, we help showcase the value of AI-powered spectral imaging to investors, customers and stakeholders.
Work with us
The UK Agri-Tech Centre is involved in a number of innovative projects, including the UAV Tree Health project, bringing research level agri-tech capability to the forestry sector. In partnership with Vertinetik, the project utilises drones with highly sophisticated sensors to capture reflective light from tree canopies for assessment of tree disease pathogen status.
The UK Agri-Tech Centre’s Spectral Imaging Specialist, Yingwang Gao, said: “At the UK Agri-Tech Centre, we have mature, ready-to-deploy spectral imaging sensors and cutting-edge imaging systems like SIF. We provide a one-stop ‘test, trial and demonstrate’ solution which will bring your ideas to life. We are looking for anyone who has a desire for precision farming to collaborate with us.”
Whether you’re developing a new agri-tech product or exploring how advanced sensors can enhance your operations, we’re here to collaborate. Our pathway is designed to support innovation from concept to commercialisation, backed by expertise, facilities and a commitment to sustainable agriculture.
