ABE BioComplexity Seminar – Dr. Yiannis Ampatzidis

Details

Speaker:
Yiannis Ampatzidis
Title:
Transforming Specialty Crop Management with AI and Robotics
Bio
Dr. Yiannis Ampatzidis is an associate professor in the Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department of the University of Florida (UF). He leads the Precision Agriculture Engineering program at the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center (SWFREC). His current research focus is on smart and digital agriculture, artificial intelligence (AI), UAVs, machine vision for plant stress and disease detection, mechatronics, automation, robotics, precision agriculture and machine systems with a special interest in development, implementation, and evaluation of agricultural machines and control systems for high-value crops.
Abstract:
Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are revolutionizing specialty crop production by enhancing efficiency and precision in agricultural practices. This talk will showcase cutting-edge technologies, including Agroview and Agrosense, that enable data-driven decision-making. Agroview utilizes UAV-based RGB and multispectral imaging with AI to provide insights into plant health, canopy size, nutrient deficiencies, and spatial variability, supporting precise interventions like nutrient prescription maps. Agrosense complements these capabilities with ground-based sensing for tree crop counting, canopy density classification, and fruit yield estimation. The presentation will also feature AI-driven robotic innovations, such as weed management sprayers, automated trunk injection systems for HLB-affected citrus, and smart crop sprayers, all of which reduce input costs through real-time detection and targeted application. Attendees will gain an understanding of how these technologies optimize resources, improve productivity, and address critical challenges in specialty crop management.