In a significant leap for poultry farming, researchers at Universitas Hang Tuah Pekanbaru have unveiled a smart egg incubator that harnesses the power of Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to tackle some of the industry’s longstanding challenges. Traditional methods of egg incubation often lead to disappointing hatch rates and sluggish production cycles, but this innovative incubator is set to change the game.
The UHTP Smart Egg Incubator boasts a capacity of 100 eggs and features an array of cutting-edge technologies. With automatic temperature and humidity control, it keeps conditions just right for those precious eggs. The Mamdani Fuzzy Logic Algorithm, a key component of the incubator, allows for real-time adjustments based on environmental changes, ensuring that the eggs are always in the best possible conditions for hatching. “Our system not only monitors but actively manages the environment, which is crucial for successful hatching,” explains Refni Wahyuni, the lead author of the study published in Ilkom Jurnal Ilmiah.
Farmers can monitor the hatching process from their mobile devices, receiving notifications and even images of the hatching eggs, thanks to an integrated camera that detects movement. This level of oversight means that poultry farmers can be more hands-off, reducing the labor intensity traditionally associated with egg incubation. The automatic egg-turning mechanism, designed to ensure even temperature distribution, further enhances the incubator’s efficiency.
Experimental results from the study indicate that the incubator maintains optimal temperatures between 37.7°C and 38.8°C, with successful hatching occurring as early as the 19th day. This kind of efficiency not only boosts hatch rates but also supports the economic viability of chicken farming. “By improving hatchability, we’re not just increasing productivity; we’re also paving the way for more sustainable practices in poultry farming,” Wahyuni adds.
The implications of this research extend far beyond individual farms. As poultry farmers face the pressures of rising costs and fluctuating market demands, integrating such advanced technologies could significantly enhance profitability. The ability to monitor and control incubation conditions remotely means that farmers can better manage their operations, reducing waste and improving overall yield.
This smart incubator represents a promising step towards modernizing agricultural practices, showcasing how technology can address age-old challenges in the farming sector. As the agricultural landscape continues to evolve, innovations like the UHTP Smart Egg Incubator may well become essential tools for farmers aiming to thrive in an increasingly competitive market. The future of poultry farming looks brighter, thanks to the ingenuity of researchers like Wahyuni and her team.
