Kansas State University is leading an international research collaboration to develop an artificial intelligence-powered system designed to help soybean farmers detect crop problems earlier and estimate yields more accurately.
The project centers on “Smart Scout,” an AI-driven computer vision system that analyzes soybean fields to detect lodging, a condition where plants fall over before harvest. Lodging can significantly reduce crop yields and grain quality while also making harvesting more difficult and less efficient.
Researchers say soybean farmers around the world face the issue of lodging, which can be caused by multiple factors including pests. In Kansas, a major contributor is the soybean stem borer, Dectes texanus, a pest that is difficult to detect due to its feeding behavior within plant stems.
Currently, farmers often rely on manual field inspections to identify potential issues. These methods can be time-consuming and may not provide consistent or accurate results.
Smart Scout is designed to change that by using advanced cameras and artificial intelligence to scan crops, detect pest infestations, measure crop damage and estimate yields. The system can be used as a handheld tool or mounted on agricultural equipment such as sprayers or vehicles, allowing farmers to gather insights directly in the field.
The technology is being developed through Kansas State University’s Institute for Digital Agriculture and Advanced Analytics, which focuses on integrating digital technologies and advanced analytical methods to improve agricultural and environmental decision-making.
Researchers involved in the project say the system is designed to be flexible and scalable. While it is initially focused on soybean production, the technology could eventually be adapted for use across multiple crops to help farmers detect issues earlier and improve productivity.
The initiative is supported by a three-year grant from the National Science Foundation. It is part of the Advancing Innovations for Empowering NextGen Agriculture initiative, or AI-ENGAGE, an international research program that brings together institutions from the United States, Australia, Japan and India.
Kansas State University researchers are collaborating with Kobe University in Japan, the Indian Institute of Technology in India and the University of Southern Queensland in Australia on the Smart Scout project.
The National Science Foundation is contributing about $2.4 million to support six international research projects under the AI-ENGAGE program. Partner countries are contributing an additional $4 million, bringing the total combined investment across the collaboration to approximately $6 million.
The program requires each project to include researchers from at least three of the four participating countries to promote the exchange of expertise, research data and technological solutions aimed at addressing global agricultural challenges.
KEY QUOTES:
“The system is flexible — it can be used by hand or attached to farm equipment like sprayers or other vehicles, and it also provides easy-to-understand, visual insights right in the field. Smart Scout is designed to work with many other crops, offering a scalable solution for improving food production and detecting issues early. By helping farmers make timely choices that are driven by data and technology, Smart Scout can enhance their productivity, reduce losses and support more sustainable agricultural systems around the world.”
Brian McCornack, Entomology Professor And Department Head, Kansas State University
“Working with partners around the world shows K-State’s commitment to advancing agriculture and solving real-world challenges that not only impact us here in Kansas, but also across the globe. Each country brings unique strengths and perspectives that, together, enable us to develop more innovative and impactful solutions that can transform agricultural systems.”
Ajay Sharda, Professor Of Biological And Agricultural Engineering And Co-Director Of Research, Institute For Digital Agriculture And Advanced Analytics, Kansas State University
