Speaker Spotlight: Into the Weeds of AI and Robotics
- ontariopmc
- Oct 30, 2024
- 2 min read
ONE WEEK LEFT TO REGISTER! Join us at the Ontario Pest Management Conference on November 7th as we look at innovation in IPM with a great line-up of speakers. Register in advance for early-bird pricing. Depending on availability, tickets may be purchased at door the day of the conference.
Meet Plenary Speaker #3 - Kristen Obeid
Kristen Obeid is the Weed Management Specialist for horticulture crops with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Agribusiness (OMAFA) based out of Harrow, ON.
Kristen has a MSc in weed science from the University of Manitoba and an Hon. BSc degree in agriculture from the University of Guelph. As OMAFA’s Weed Management Specialist for horticulture crops, she leads the development, coordination and implementation of programs related to weed management issues in Ontario. Kristen is the Co-Chair of the AgRobotics Working Group, past Chair of the Ontario Pest Management Conference and Co-Chair of the Weed Surveillance Community of Practice which is part of the Canadian Plant Health Council.
Kristen is a past recipient of the Deputy Minister's Award for her work as a provincial vegetable specialist, recipient of the Excellence in Weed Science Extension Award from the Canadian Weed Science Society and recently received the Gold Harvest Award from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada as part of the project team that has developed numerous rapid genetic tests for herbicide resistant weed detection.
Exploring the possibilities of AI, automation and robotics to control weeds
Weeds have been an age-old problem in agricultural cropping systems. With over 500 weed species worldwide resistant to one or more herbicide modes of action, there is a concerted effort to investigate the possibilities of new innovative technologies to control weeds. Weeding robots utilize sensors and, or cameras connected to large artificial intelligence (AI) databases to detect weeds, removing them mechanically, with lasers or with precise herbicide applications. These robots are designed to navigate through crop rows, identify weeds, and administer targeted treatments, thus minimizing the reliance on herbicides and manual labour. These robots contribute to both farm profitability and environmental stewardship by utilizing sustainable weed management techniques. Artificial intelligence is having a positive impact on weed management and the herbicide discovery process.
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