The Institute for Process Engineering, Process Automation, and Measurement Technology (IPM) at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences aims to reduce the ecological footprint of agriculture. Through concrete methods and procedures as well as technological developments, it helps, for example, to reduce pesticide use and minimize soil compaction on agricultural land in Lausitz. As a result, a combination of selected innovative technologies supports a shift away from the often-used “scattergun” approach. The plant-centered cultivation measures now being implemented contribute to the restoration of biodiversity in the vicinity of agricultural land.

Powerful open-source technologies—that is, openly available hardware and software architectures—now make it possible to develop even complex mechatronics system solutions without barriers. In the forward-looking field of Agriculture 4.0, Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences is thus demonstrating that open source offers tremendous potential for the Görlitz district to revitalize urgently needed value chains. In this way, sustainability goals and the pursuit of economic strength complement each other perfectly. This presents an opportunity for companies to respond quickly to structural changes.

In addition, agricultural businesses gain significant competitive advantages by fully digitizing their processes all the way through to field crops. For example, end-to-end traceability of production and supply chains is becoming an increasingly important decision-making criterion for consumers when purchasing agricultural products. Yield optimization combined with a reduction in fertilizer and pesticide use, as well as objective proof of the measures’ effectiveness, are further advantages.

What answers are the engineers and technicians at IPM generating?

At present, the focus is on two technological developments that will support agricultural workers in their work. The farmbot approach, a gantry crane on rails, automates cultivation measures, particularly within large greenhouses. The system sows, waters and measures soil values autonomously and around the clock. Each plant is cultivated in a vital way. DiaBoLO - field crop diagnostics with soil monitoring for agriculture and ecology - uses AI methods to determine plant vitality and biodiversity. Is the crop vital? Or does it show signs of deficiency? Are insects detected? DiaBoLO is the artificial eye and brain. It carries the agricultural experience within it and knows what the plant is missing.

Both technologies combined provide the support the farmer needs to make decisions in harmony with economic efficiency and ecology.

Can I participate as a company, research institution, or as an individual?

The IPM’s project work is part of the application-oriented research and development at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. Collaborations with companies, other research institutions, and interested parties form a strong foundation. We expressly invite you—whether you represent a company, are a student, a policy maker, or simply an interested individual—to help shape these processes together with us. We look forward to hearing from you and discussing the future of agriculture with you.