The European consortium ‘HyperImage’ funded under the Photonics Partnership is developing a new imaging platform that ensures everything from crops to factory products is of the highest quality by detecting things humans simply cannot. The project aims to revolutionise quality assurance and operational efficiency across different sectors. This high-tech imaging system uses AI machine learning algorithms to identify objects for more precise decision-making. The system can be used to reduce farming costs, produce less waste, and generate up to twenty percent more yields than traditional methods.

Alexander Kabardiadi-Virkovski, head of the HyperImage project at Fraunhofer IWS, explains: “The integration of hyperspectral cameras into autonomous systems represents a significant advancement in both technology and application. This imaging technique promises to enhance productivity and sustainability in industry and agriculture.” Although hyperspectral imaging has existed since the 1980s, it has never been used in real-time with artificial intelligence for the applications the HyperImage team is now exploring. “Our new system is being developed for automated vertical farming but is simultaneously being used to improve quality control, navigation in off-road autonomous driving, and vision systems for unmanned geo-surveillance drones.

“The innovative HyperImage approach will enable autonomous vehicles to perform detailed landscape analysis and make informed decisions regarding passability in outdoor environments. By standardizing hyperspectral data across different camera manufacturers, we aim to create a universal solution for object recognition and quality control,” said Kabardiadi-Virkovski.

The photonic components and spectral imaging technology deployed in the HyperImage platform will eventually enable UAVs to perform longer missions with greater energy efficiency and improved operational effectiveness in surveillance and monitoring​.

The project, which will conclude in 2027, is funded by the European Union and brings together a consortium of twelve partners from industry and academia, which include 4K-MEMS, Amires, Dive Imaging Systems, Growy, Infineon Technologies Bipolar, Ketmarket, Netcompany-Intrasoft, Norsk Elektro Optikk, Optotune, Robotnik Automation, Silios Technologies, Stichting Wageningen Research, HySpex.

Further reading: “Multicolor vision” for drone flight, vertical farming, and autonomous driving, wileyindustrynews.com, 05 February 2024 • Market Report Photonics technologies for agriculture: Precision farming harnesses the wonders of nature to feed the human population, PhotonicsViews 20(5), October/November 2023, pp 52-53