Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture: applications in agricultural machinery

By STARA

The use of technology in agriculture has always been one of the factors responsible for innovation in the field and the constant evolution of agricultural management. This has been the case since GPS and other agricultural technologies began to be used in crops. Now, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as one of the main drivers of this progress.  

One of the main applications of AI in agriculture occurs in agricultural machinery, in a digital transformation process led by pioneering companies in Precision Agriculture.  

A pioneer in this area in Brazil, Stara developed an agricultural technology with Artificial Intelligence with ONE Smart Spray, a joint venture between Bosch and BASF. Through the partnership between the companies, the technology was incorporated into the Stara Imperador 3000 and 4000 self-propelled sprayers, constituting a localized spraying system. 

Thus, with the differential incorporated into the agricultural machine, the Imperador Eco Spray agricultural sprayer is capable of applying herbicides only where weeds occur, selectively.  

This is a successful example of the application of Artificial Intelligence in agriculture. In this article, we will explore some applications of AI in agricultural machinery that are revolutionizing field management.

What is AI in Agriculture?

The use of Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture allows machines and systems to make decisions based on data collected from soil, climate and agricultural practices. Technologies such as neural networks and computer vision are applied to improve the performance of agricultural machinery, bringing significant advances to crop management. 

Benefits of Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture

Increased productivity

Greater precision in agricultural activities and better use of inputs.

Reduction of input costs

Savings on pesticides, fertilizers and fuels. 

More sustainable management in the field

Smart equipment helps reduce water and pesticide waste, reducing environmental impact and increasing sustainability in operations. 

In the case of agricultural machinery, technology with embedded AI allows the selective application of inputs in crops, including agricultural pesticides. 

In the Stara Imperador Eco Spray sprayer, for example, the Artificial Intelligence system sends the command to activate the agricultural machine's spray nozzles only on top of the weed, turning off the jet immediately afterwards. 

Result: reduced use of agricultural products, increasingly sustainable management, savings on spending on crop inputs and soil preservation.  

Enables data-driven decision making 

The use of Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture makes it possible to collect data and analyze information from different sources in seconds, such as images captured by cameras installed on agricultural machinery. 

AI sensors can collect data about the soil, generating accurate maps and guiding the application of fertilizers and amendments.

Thus, the operator receives guidance for work in real time via the agricultural monitor installed in the machine's cabin, helping with decision-making and making the workday more productive.   

AI Agricultural Sprayer: Emperor Eco Spray 

Through a partnership between Stara and ONE Smart Spray - a joint venture between Bosch and BASF, Eco Spray technology was incorporated into the Imperador 3000 and 4000, integrating the existing differentials in the traditional version of the agricultural machine with a localized spraying system, which applies the agricultural pesticide selectively, only where weeds occur. 

Each camera installed on the sprayer takes 15 photos per second. Thus, on a bar with 37 cameras, 555 photos are recorded per second. These images are processed and the machine decides, in milliseconds, whether to spray the product in that location or not.

“When the producer applies a single dose to the entire bar, sometimes it is not enough to eliminate all the unwanted plants, which end up developing resistance. Therefore, with the Eco Spray sprayer, it is possible to apply a higher dose of the herbicide, to eliminate this weed in a localized manner”, explains Cristiano Paim Buss, Director of Research and Development at Stara.

Check out the main benefits of using artificial intelligence (AI) in Stara's Imperador Eco Spray agricultural sprayer:

Input Economy

Significant reduction in the use of agricultural pesticides, as application is carried out locally only where weeds occur. 

Sustainability and Reduction of Environmental Impact

Less use of chemicals, reducing negative impacts on soil and water resources.

Water savings, reducing the need for transport and storage of large volumes.

Greater control over the use of pesticides, preventing weed resistance and promoting more sustainable management.

Increased Operational Efficiency

Real-time application with decision making in milliseconds, thanks to advanced image processing and AI.

Spraying at speeds of up to 20 km/h, without compromising accuracy.

Allows nighttime application due to built-in flash technology, which is ideal for reducing evaporation losses and improving product absorption.

Precision and Agronomic Intelligence

Advanced camera system that captures 555 images per second, offering exceptional performance in both application modules: pre-emergent (“green-on-brown”) and post-emergent (“green-on-green”).

Different levels of sensitivity, which can be activated according to the farmer's strategy, considering the size of the weeds present in the application area.

Possibility of specific doses for more resistant herbs, increasing effectiveness and avoiding waste.

Improved Logistics and Cost Reduction

Reduction in the need for storage and transportation of inputs.

Fewer sprayer refills, optimizing working time in the field.

Less need for labor for replenishment and logistics.

Integrated Technology and Technical Support

Eco Spray system integrated directly from the factory, which guarantees the full functionality and efficiency of the sprayer, as well as durability and safety.

Complete technical assistance from Stara through Conecta, avoiding compatibility problems between components from different manufacturers. 

Solution developed in partnership with Bosch and Basf, ensuring high reliability and innovation.

According to Stara's Research and Development Director, Cristiano Paim Buss, the partnership with these large companies also qualifies the technical support offered to farmers, even remotely.  

In this way, the Imperador Eco Spray sprayer brings advantages both for crop operations and for technical and sustainable management, making the purchase a strategic investment for producers seeking innovation and efficiency in the field.

Conclusion

Artificial Intelligence is transforming work in the fields, making operations more precise, efficient and sustainable. The applications of AI in agricultural machinery are just beginning, and the future promises even more innovations that will benefit rural producers and the environment. Stara, the largest manufacturer of agricultural machinery in Latin America, is leading this revolution, offering solutions that incorporate Artificial Intelligence in Precision Agriculture, ensuring positive results and constant evolution.