Artificial Intelligence in Fruit Growing

The Alte Land, located south of the Elbe River, is the largest contiguous fruit-growing region in Europe. Researchers at HAW Hamburg, together with Fraunhofer IFAM and other partners, are investigating how the region's deeply rooted fruit farming industry can be sustainably supported and digitized as part of the joint project SAMSON (Smart Automation Systems and Services for Fruit Growing in the Lower Elbe Region).

The focus is on irrigation and plant protection. Smart measurement technology and intelligent evaluation algorithms aim to reduce the use of resources such as diesel, pesticides, and water. Additionally, the researchers seek to rethink established cultivation methods. Complex factors influencing harvest quantity and quality—such as climate, previous year's yield, and flowering patterns—are difficult for growers to assess in detail. As a result, entire cultivation areas are treated uniformly with pesticides instead of applying targeted measures.

The SAMSON approach introduces a multi-sensor imaging system that automatically catalogs all fruit trees and cultivation areas. Throughout the season, image and sensor data provide insights into plant characteristics such as growth, fruit and blossom count, and past treatments. Over the years, AI-analyzed data can generate tree- and area-specific recommendations. The collection of this data within a central, interactive farm management system also allows for the integration of high-resolution weather data from distributed stations. This enables site-specific frost protection irrigation, leading to water savings.

Furthermore, autonomous robotics will be used for specific tasks, such as transporting fruit crates or providing localized water supply as needed. Through networking and collaboration with local partners and fruit growers, the acquired research knowledge can be sustainably shared with interested parties in the region.

More information here: www.samson-projekt.de andhttps://youtu.be/Jvb5vlYVqJg?feature=shared