The Germain LANDNETZ collaborative project has recently concluded its five-year research into the integration of communication and cloud networks tailored for agricultural applications. This ambitious initiative, conducted by the Technical University of Dresden, the Fraunhofer Institute for Transportation and Infrastructure Systems IVI, and the Saxon State Ministry for the Environment, Agriculture, and Geology (LfULG), focused on leveraging stable 5G networks to enhance the functionality of autonomous robots and other machinery in agriculture.
Over the past half-decade, the project has made significant strides in a model region in Saxony, where researchers developed and tested 5G technology. The stable 5G wireless connections established during these trials enabled direct networking of machines, robots, and sensors, independent of traditional public mobile networks. This leap in connectivity has opened new avenues for precision farming and autonomous operations, promising to revolutionize the agricultural landscape.
One of the standout achievements of the LANDNETZ project has been the application of 5G technology in precision farming. By facilitating real-time data transmission and machine control, 5G allows for more accurate and efficient farming practices. For instance, drones equipped with multispectral cameras can capture detailed crop images, which are then processed on local servers via 5G. This data informs fertilizer spreaders integrated into the network, ensuring precise application based on the crops’ real-time needs.
Additionally, smaller autonomous machines, armed with sensors and artificial intelligence, can perform complex operations such as pesticide application and simple repetitive tasks. This not only enhances sustainability but also boosts economic efficiency. A prime example of such innovation is the electric modular robot elWObot II, designed specifically for horticulture, fruit growing, and viticulture. This robot can perform tasks like mowing, plant protection, and contour cutting, all while continuously communicating with local servers for data evaluation.
Beyond improving farming practices, the LANDNETZ project also tackled road safety in rural areas through the ON/OFF Road Safety sub-project. Researchers developed communication infrastructures and information systems capable of transmitting real-time warning signals between vehicles. This vehicle-to-x communication can significantly enhance road safety by enabling spontaneous information exchange between agricultural machinery, vehicles, and traffic infrastructure.
The project’s outcomes were recently showcased at the regional conference “Digital Applications for Agricultural Practice.” Key conclusions from the trials highlighted several advantages:
Efficiency: The 5G-enabled precision farming techniques significantly reduced resource usage by optimizing irrigation, nutrient, and pesticide applications.
Safety: The vehicle-to-x communication system enhanced road safety in rural areas by enabling real-time information exchange between agricultural machinery and other vehicles.
Economic and Environmental Benefits: Autonomous robots like elWObot II demonstrated the potential for both economic efficiency and environmental sustainability in various agricultural applications.
“Ecologically and economically sustainable agriculture requires targeted farming appropriate to the location. 5G supports this type of precision farming,” explained Prof. Thomas Herlitzius, the speaker of the collaborative project. Prof. Matthias Klingner, Director of Fraunhofer IVI, added that 5G networking meets the increasing safety requirements for highly automated agricultural equipment. Heinz Bernd Bettig, President of LfULG, emphasized that the project focused on users’ needs and investigated pioneering technologies to support agriculture’s growing challenges.
The successful conclusion of the LANDNETZ project marks a significant milestone in the journey towards smarter, safer, and more efficient agricultural practices. As the agricultural sector continues to evolve, the integration of advanced technologies like 5G and autonomous robots will undoubtedly play a crucial role in meeting the demands of modern farming.