The acquisition of Augmenta by CNH Industrial means that Raven Industries, which is part of CNHI, can expand its automated technologies by adding Sense & Act capabilities for a variety of variable rate crop spraying applications.
Augmenta’s variable rate application (VRA) solution uses a real-time sensor to process field conditions and automatically apply the optimal amount of product for nitrogen, plant growth regulator, harvest aid and fungicide applications based on the real-time data it collects. It uses camera vision and artificial intelligence capabilities to automatically control precise application rates, based on factors like canopy health.
This is to maximize nutrient effectiveness to increase yields while saving inputs to reduce negative environmental impact and input costs. These cost savings are visible in real-time on a web-based analytics and monitoring platform.
Augmenta technology available through Raven aftermarket channels
Existing Augmenta technologies plan to be commercially available and offered through Raven aftermarket channels. Raven says it will develop and fully integrate Augmenta’s products into its broader portfolio over the next few years.
Raven says its Hawkeye 2 nozzle control system is already a preferred integration partner for many Sense & Act providers. Integrating Augmenta’s solution is to allow Raven customers to maximise its value by unlocking Sense & Act functionalities with simple plug-and-play hardware and interfaces. “Overall, the addition of vision based VRA to Raven’s suite of precision technologies will give current and future customers a complete, easy-to-use package of automated spraying capabilities at a value-based price,” Raven says.
As a result of the acquisition by CNH Industrial, Augmenta will retain its operations in Greece and the U.S. The organisation will become part of Raven. Raven says it will continue to strategically invest in Augmenta’s location in Athens, Greece as an innovation hub.
Sense & Act
Sense & Act tasks are based on sensor-detected data during the spraying process, wherein protection solutions are applied to crops both before and after harvest. This technology gives machines selective spraying capabilities which precisely directs and regulates spray volume.
Augmenta’s work in this area includes the development of a multispectral camera and software that monitors a machine’s operating environment and acts directly via the machine. This is to increase yield, boost sustainability by eliminating unnecessary chemical and fertiliser usage, and to reduce application time, effort and input costs. Savings in herbicide, fungicide, plant growth regulators and fertiliser represent the largest value pool for this technology.
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