The journey began with a critical assessment of the existing multispectral sensors. The company recognized that the prevalent multi-camera designs were fundamentally flawed, bound by the principle of GIGO (Garbage In, Garbage Out). The data, gleaned from lofty altitudes, low resolution, and limited to a mere five or six spectral bands, yielded results that fell short of reliable, actionable intelligence. In response, the company crafted a new concept anchored in two foundational pillars:
- Dual-purpose sensors: Agrowing coupled panchromatic Sony mirrorless cameras with a clip-in IR-cut sensor, creating a versatile camera body capable of both high-resolution RGB 61MP mapping and a 10-band, 12MP multispectral scanning.
- Dual-stage imagery acquisition: This method entails a comprehensive scan of the fields, followed by a meticulous leaf-level AI examination of specific points of interest.
Agrowing’s first sensor was a modified marvel based on the Sony Alpha 7Riv/v9. Since then, the company has optimized the design, utilizing lighter Sony A7Rxx camera bodies to create a more cost-effective solution that integrates seamlessly with multi-rotor drones and VTOLs. Sony’s new ILX-LR1 industrial camera body, weighing a mere 243g, has enabled the company to offer an exceptionally lightweight and affordable dual-purpose sensor. The 10-band multispectral solution, lens included, tips the scales at just 424g. Priced slightly above the common 3MP, 5 or 6-band sensors, it represents a significant advancement in value.
10-band and 42MP/band sensors
The adoption of Sony’s camera by numerous UAV manufacturers has paved the way for the widespread embrace of the company’s multispectral solution, reducing the need for additional sensors alongside the ILX-LR1 RGB mapping camera. In collaboration with partners Adti, Topodrone, and Gremsy, Agrowing offers a plug-and-play gimbal for DJI’s Matrice 300/350, signaling a future brimming with potential. The company plans to expand its offerings to include a variety of lenses, each with unique fields of view. With the advent of Medium Format aerial cameras, Agrowing anticipates providing 10-band, 42MP per band sensors within the next couple of years, drastically reducing aerial scanning times.
Turf maintenance with Multispectral AI
The company’s latest venture was unveiled in collaboration with Birds Camera Solutions and Fraunhofer IGD at Sportsinnovation 2024 in Düsseldorf (Germany). At the heart of every sports stadium is the pitch: a sacred expanse where legends are forged, records are broken, and memories are etched into history. Preserving this pristine canvas is a formidable challenge, one that Agrowing has boldly undertaken to transform with his unique blend of sports acumen and technological prowess. The mantra ‚Keep off the pitch!‘ resonates with every stadium-goer, yet the turf demands relentless care. It’s a living canvas that requires the precision of a maestro to ensure peak performance during game days. Agrowing’s approach promises to elevate turf maintenance without ever setting foot on the grass. As TV audiences delight in the stunning aerial visuals delivered by the Birds-Cam 3D Cable Camera, Agrowing continues to innovate in the agricultural sector, bridging the gap between technology and nature. Next on its agenda, Agrowing is set to unveil cost-effective sensors designed for tractors and indoor farming robots, enhancing precision agriculture in plantations.
