Commercialization

Wireless sensor technology is commercially available from a number of companies and is already being used by some growers of high-value horticultural crops such as turfgrass producers and vineyards.

We are developing the next generation of wireless sensor networks that are robust, durable, economic and able to handle the sophisticated requirements of intensive specialty crop production environments.

This project is using the accumulated knowledge from our team and our industry partners to build the next generation of sensor hardware and software that is capable of meeting these needs.

We are addressing five primary challenges, at various operational scales:

• Hardware development (minimize cost, optimize performance)

• Performance (sensor precision and accuracy; network reliability)

• Spatial and temporal variability (for accurate placement of sensors; ensure data quality)

• Software development (for ease of use and maximum utility)

• Data management and interpretation (for good decision-making)