Agrishow Special: Voice commands, photos and videos guide workers applying pesticides on the farm

The SprayX system, an invention by startup of the same name in partnership with the Engineering and Automation Center of the Agronomic Institute (CEA-IAC), an entity of the Secretariat of Agriculture and Supply of the State of São Paulo. With technology wearable computing and support for state-of-the-art devices, SprayX provides direct guidance in the field, via image and voice command, to technicians responsible for applying agricultural pesticides.   

Undertaken with support from the ACE/Agrostart fund, linked to the Google Launchpad global acceleration program, the SprayX system is installed next to the body of an agricultural technician working on the farm, and works linked to a database. This information, provided by specialists in Application Technology and the agricultural pesticide industry, supports correct and safe applications of the products.

“The technician’s action is completely guided and driven by technology, from the moment he puts on his personal protective equipment (PPE) until he applies the product to the plants. Any error in the professional's operation is detected and the correction is requested, preventively, through the system”, summarizes Hamilton Ramos, scientific researcher at CEA-IAC, who coordinated SprayX development trials.

“This is an innovative solution that even tends to reduce the exposure of technicians and workers to agricultural pesticides, as well as avoiding cases of accidents and poisoning resulting from the low qualification of applicators, which, unfortunately, is still a reality” , adds Ramos. The researcher points out that the misuse of agricultural pesticides in the country results in annual losses of around US$2 billion for agribusiness.

Sprayers, nozzles and social function – Considered fundamental for the correct application of agricultural pesticides, the regulation and calibration of spraying equipment are also among the functions managed by SprayX, according to entrepreneur Edson Minatel, one of the system's developers.

He adds that another critical problem in the area, also solved with the support of SprayX, is associated with the use of worn spray tips during the application of pesticides.

“A tip that is out of condition for use leads to waste, has a potentially harmful impact on the environment and can cause the chemical product to not work as expected, causing agronomic and financial losses to the producer”, explains Minatel.

Entrepreneur Mauro Anjo, technology director partner at startup SprayX emphasizes that the system was designed after entrepreneurs heard complaints from producers and experts, mainly about losses arising from the low professional training prevalent in the activity of applying agricultural pesticides. “This perception required the creation of a different teaching methodology and also new tools with a view to training and supporting field workers”, concludes Anjo.

“Apart from spraying solutions, SprayX will work as an ally in the dissemination of good practices in the field. This is very important and motivated the Secretariat's adherence to thestartup”, emphasizes Hamilton Ramos. The researcher from CEA-IAC, an organization based in Jundiaí (SP), today coordinates the most important projects in the country around the sustainable use of agricultural pesticides, called Aplique Bem, Adjuvantes da Pulverização, IAC-Quepia and the Reference Unit in Technology and Safety in the Application of Agrochemicals.