In an innovative stride towards sustainable agriculture, Zordi, a startup founded by Gilwoo Lee, is employing artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to cultivate strawberries indoors. This initiative is not only a testament to technological integration in agriculture but also a move towards healthier and more sustainable produce, according to NVIDIA.

AI and Robotics in Agriculture

Founded in 2020 by Lee and Casey Call, Zordi aims to transform strawberry farming through advanced technology. The company employs two types of robots: a scouting robot that monitors plant health and a harvesting robot that delicately picks strawberries. These robots are part of Zordi’s hydroponic operations located in southern New Jersey and western New York.

Utilizing NVIDIA’s GPUs, Zordi develops models for crop health, fruit picking, and quality assessment. These efforts are geared towards reducing carbon footprints by supporting regional markets with fresher, better-tasting produce.

Technological Advancements and Collaborations

Zordi has formed partnerships with greenhouse farms in New Jersey and California to meet increasing demand. The startup’s use of NVIDIA’s Jetson AGX Orin modules aids in data collection and model testing, crucial for managing plant health, pest control, and environmental conditions.

Lee emphasizes the benefits of Jetson’s energy efficiency and its compatibility with low-cost cameras. This technology allows Zordi to address global labor shortages in agriculture by automating tasks traditionally done by human labor.

Innovative Simulation and Automation

To further enhance its operations, Zordi is exploring the use of NVIDIA’s Omniverse and Isaac Sim for simulations and digital twins. These technologies will enable Zordi to optimize its farming processes and manage farms remotely, offering a real-time view of plant health and operations through a spatial map dashboard.

With plans to expand into other crops like cucumbers and tomatoes, Zordi is developing simulations for delicate handling, which is crucial for extending shelf life. The company’s vision is to create a fully autonomous farming system where AI-driven decisions and robotic automation streamline operations.

Overall, Zordi’s approach not only addresses the challenges of labor shortages but also sets a precedent for sustainable and efficient farming practices, promising a future where AI and robotics play a pivotal role in agriculture.

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