Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

We aim to establish an AI-powered precision agriculture platform that will revolutionize phenotyping research by providing advanced tools for high-throughput, non-destructive, and real-time data collection. By integrating cutting-edge hyperspectral drone imaging and cloud-based AI analytics, the platform will enable rapid, detailed analysis of crop traits at a depth and scale previously unattainable. Hyperspectral imaging offers a critical advantage by capturing a wide range of spectral data across hundreds of bands-compared to the three bands in natural RGB images. As such, it can potentially be used for precise detection of plant stress, nutrient levels, disease onset, and water content. This innovation is essential for accelerating research and innovation in plant breeding, genomics, and crop physiology, while addressing urgent global challenges related to climate change, food security, and sustainable agriculture. The proposed infrastructure will unlock the full potential of hyperspectral imaging by utilizing AI algorithms to automatically process the vast data collected, enabling near real-time decision-making. By leveraging drones equipped with hyperspectral sensors, we will be able to analyze plant health and phenotypic traits at a molecular level, providing insights that go beyond what traditional imaging can achieve. This AI-powered hyperspectral platform will drastically reduce the time and resources required for crop evaluation and selection, making large-scale field studies that were previously impractical both feasible and efficient. This platform will significantly enhance the capacity to conduct large-scale phenotyping projects tailored to the needs of Canadian agriculture and forestry. Through the integration of AI, hyperspectral imaging, and drone technology, our group, as well as our partner research groups across Alberta, can capture and process vast amounts of phenotypic data with unprecedented accuracy, thereby driving rapid advancements in developing resilient and high-yielding crop varieties. These innovations will be critical in addressing Alberta's specific challenges related to climate adaptation and sustainable crop production. In addition, this project will provide training opportunities for HQP, equipping the next generation of researchers with practical skills in AI, hyperspectral imaging, drone technologies, and advanced data analytics. The project is committed to ensuring equitable access to cutting-edge tools, fostering a diverse and inclusive research environment. By aligning with Canada's national objectives for enhancing food security and promoting sustainable farming practices, this platform will contribute to local agricultural resilience and position Canada as a global leader in developing AI-based hyperspectral imaging solutions for crop phenotyping to accelerate innovation, increase competitiveness, and support the long-term sustainability of Canada's agricultural sector.