University of Illinois researchers develop AI-powered robots to detect crop problems

(KWQC) - Researchers at the University of Illinois are developing technology that could help farmers detect crop problems earlier and reduce costly losses.

The project uses small, low-cost robotic rovers powered by artificial intelligence to monitor plant health and field conditions in real time.

The goal is to make precision agriculture tools more affordable and accessible, helping farmers target exact areas that need treatment.

Researchers say some crop diseases can cause significant yield loss — in some cases up to about 30%.

“This is going to look at every individual plant and monitor the progression of a disease,” said Dr. Elhan Ersoz, a clinical assistant professor with the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. “For instance, if you have a disease patch and it’s spreading out in the field, or if there is a nutrient depletion zone.”

The project is still in development and has faced uncertainty amid recent funding cuts.

Researchers hope to begin testing the technology on working farms soon, intending to make it available to farmers within the next few years.

Ersoz said the team is also working on another project using cover crops to help produce sustainable jet fuel for the aviation industry.

Those interested in supporting the research can visit payment.uif.uillinois.edu/campaigns/40463/donations/new