Saskatoon, Sask. – Solinftec will expand the launch of its new AgTech robotic platform, Solix Ag Robotics, into Canada in partnership with Stone Farms and the University of Saskatchewan.
The new technology aims to provide farmers and agronomists a new level of information to increase yields, improve the usage of inputs, lower environmental impact and support the global demand for food supply. The goal is to have the robot commercially available for the 2023 season for wheat crops.
Solinftec will run the new robot at multiple farms, one being Stone Farms in Davidson, aiming to adapt the technology to the specific needs of the Canadian grower and improve the algorithm for identifying weeds.
With more than 15 years of experience developing digital ag solutions throughout various geographies and crops around the world, Solinftec’s Solix Ag Robotics is integrated with the company’s artificial intelligence platform, ALICE A.I., capturing information directly from the crops. Programmed with a neurological network featuring a complex detection algorithm, the new in-field robotic device has the ability to scan for crop health and nutrition, disease, insects and weeds, as well as monitor the entire field ecosystem and provide real-time insights.
“Technology and how it is implemented in agriculture will play an even more critical role in our future,” says Rob Stone, owner of Stone Farms. “We know Solinftec continues to innovate for the better of the agriculture economy, and the addition of their robotics platform will only enhance our work together. We are excited about the possibility for this technology to improve the way we manage inputs with enhanced real time information.”
The platform will reduce many risks related to the use of chemical and biological pesticides, as low volumes will be applied with high precision on the target, only in the required place, at the most appropriate time, without excess or loss.
“As we’ve done in regions across the globe, we are taking the robot directly to the fields to learn at a hyper-local level how they perform,” says Leonardo Carvalho, Solinftec’s operational director lead in Canada. “The cutting-edge robotics technology will help develop agricultural solutions and support sustainable farming practices. Having the continued support of Stone Farms and the University of Saskatchewan during a season of testing the new technology is a great opportunity for Canadian agriculture.”
Solinftec will also work in partnership with the University of Saskatchewan (USask) in Saskatoon, SK, to validate field results provided by the new robotics technology.
“Solinftec’s vision and commitment to the increased incorporation of digital technologies in agriculture are exciting, and researchers at the USask College of Agriculture and Bioresources are actively engaged in supporting and promoting this digital revolution,” says Dr. Trever Crowe, associate dean at USask College of Agriculture and Bioresources.
“At Solinftec, I’m proud we continue in our dedication to evolve agriculture practices in close partnerships with local farmers,” says Britaldo Hernandez, Solinftec’s chief executive officer. “With our expansion into Canada in 2021, we are learning so much about the farms, the business processes and agricultural needs. We value how our partnerships allow us to innovate at a local level with new technologies – like with our new robot.”
