Using the well-known Ladybird and RIPPA robots in both trial-farm and commercial-farm settings, this project is advancing the application of robotics, intelligent sensing systems, precision agriculture automation and more in Australia’s vegetable industry. It is developing, evaluating and supporting the commercialisation and adoption of such technologies, with the end goal of increasing industry productivity, particularly in relation to brassica, lettuce and baby leaf growing. Applications will help improve crop performance and resource use – including through the precision application of inputs – and assist in decision making by providing timely and accurate information such as predictions of optimum harvest time and the estimation of yield and product quality.

This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the research and development levies listed below and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

• Vegetable Fund