The Institute of Process Engineering, Process Automation and Metrology (IPM) at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences is pursuing the goal of reducing the ecological footprint of agriculture. With specific methods/processes and technological developments, it is helping to reduce the use of pesticides, for example, and to reduce soil compaction on agricultural land in Lusatia. As a result, a combination of selected innovative technologies supports the move away from the often applied watering can principle. The plant-centered cultivation measures now being applied contribute to the recovery of biodiversity in the vicinity of agricultural land.

Powerful open source technologies - i.e. open hardware and software structures - now make it possible to develop even complex mechatronic system solutions without barriers. In this way, the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences is also demonstrating in the future field of Agriculture 4.0 that open source offers great potential for the district of Görlitz to revive urgently needed value chains. In this way, sustainability goals and the pursuit of economic strength complement each other perfectly. It is an opportunity for companies to respond to structural changes at short notice.

In addition, agricultural companies are gaining significant competitive advantages by digitalizing their processes right through to the field crop. For example, the end-to-end traceability of production and supply chains is an increasingly relevant decision criterion for consumers when purchasing agricultural products. Further advantages include yield optimization with a simultaneous reduction in the use of fertilizers and pesticides as well as objective proof of the effectiveness of the measures.

What answers are the engineers and technicians at IPM generating?

At present, the focus is on two technological developments that will support agricultural workers in their work. The farmbot approach, a gantry crane on rails, automates cultivation measures, particularly within large greenhouses. The system sows, waters and measures soil values autonomously and around the clock. Each plant is cultivated in a vital way. DiaBoLO - field crop diagnostics with soil monitoring for agriculture and ecology - uses AI methods to determine plant vitality and biodiversity. Is the crop vital? Or does it show signs of deficiency? Are insects detected? DiaBoLO is the artificial eye and brain. It carries the agricultural experience within it and knows what the plant is missing.

Both technologies combined provide the support the farmer needs to make decisions in harmony with economic efficiency and ecology.

Can I participate as a company, research institution or even privately?

The project work of the IPM is part of the application-oriented research and development of the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. Cooperation with companies, other research institutions and interested parties is a strong foundation. You as companies, students, representatives of politics and interested parties are expressly called upon to shape these processes together with us. We look forward to hearing from you and talking to you about topics relating to the future of agriculture.