Groundbreaking for AI center part of 100th anniversary celebration of UF Gulf Coast Research and Education Center
Agriculture isn't just rows of citrus groves and fields of strawberries – it's Florida's second largest economic powerhouse, trailing only tourism. With more than 133,000 jobs riding on its success, farming fuels communities across the Sunshine State.
But farmers face numerous challenges: pests, diseases, labor, rising costs and more.
To protect crop yields and the environment, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is leveraging powerful tools such as technology driven by artificial intelligence (AI).
To expedite the development of AI-driven technology, UF/IFAS is set to build a 40,000-square-foot AI hub at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) in Balm, about 25 miles southeast of Tampa. The Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture will serve as a world-class research, Extension and development facility.
Five years of planning will start coming to fruition Nov. 7 as UF officials and other dignitaries break ground on the AI center. The groundbreaking will be part of the 100th anniversary celebration of GCREC.
"This will be the cradle for the next technological leaps forward made possible by a 150-year-old land-grant model of academia-industry-government partnership," said Scott Angle, UF's senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources and leader of UF/IFAS. "UF's historic investment in AI talent, the state legislature's generous funding to create the space and farmers' and processors' embrace of innovation will make Florida an even greater force for good in feeding the world."
AI technology efficiencies
AI and robotics can autonomously accomplish many tasks that traditionally require manual labor. By developing these technologies, AI can increase the number of technology-driven, competitive-paying jobs on the farm.
Another advantage: applying AI to challenging problems often leads to start-up companies that could benefit Florida's economy.
At the hub, AI scientists will work with researchers throughout UF/IFAS to study ways to breed plants that resist pests and disease, thus boosting crop yields for farmers. These AI scientists also will work to help ensure growers use fewer chemicals to grow their crops.
"We envision faculty at the AI center will use new technology to solve growers' problems with more speed and efficiency than ever before," said GCREC director Jack Rechcigl said. "Florda farmers are battling myriad issues, and one of the few ways to successfully cope with those vexing problems is to use AI technology, sometimes known as the fourth industrial revolution."
Plans call for a state-of-the art research shop, equipped with everything needed to design and build robotic technologies for agriculture.
The hub also will include office space, as well as areas designed to encourage conversations to build teams for AI research and Extension. Those discussions are critical. While the center will be based in Balm, center-based faculty will develop technologies for many Floridians, whether they work in agriculture or other economic sectors.
Rechcigl estimates the center will directly employ 100, including computer scientists, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, AI specialists, graduate students and support staff.
Economic benefits for Hillsborough and Manatee counties from the center include:
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Improved agricultural production and more technology-focused jobs in the sector.
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New research and teaching faculty.
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Resources and expertise needed to support tech start-ups will draw new industries into Florida.
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Training programs for farmers, students and the public.
UF/IFAS blazes an AI trail
UF/IFAS is a leader in the university-wide AI initiative. Hundreds of UF/IFAS faculty leverage AI in their research. Specifically, though, in the past five years, the institute has hired 16 faculty who specialize in developing ways to utilize AI to help improve technology for agriculture and natural resources. UF also has HiPerGator, the fastest AI computer in U.S. academia, and a gift from NVIDIA.
Scientists at GCREC have already begun considerable, practical research, using AI technology:
· Kevin Wang, an assistant professor of agricultural and biological engineering (ABE) at GCREC, utilizes AI to help plant scientists speed up the process of breeding for heat- , disease- and pest-resistance.
· Dana Choi, also an assistant professor of ABE at the center, uses digital twin technology to simulate strawberry growing seasons – even when the fruit is not in season. That helps farmers know when to plant and spray. It even helps them predict their harvests.
· Nathan Boyd, professor of horticultural sciences and associate director of GCREC, has developed a start-up company in which he uses AI to spray weeds – and not damage surrounding crops.
"The survival of our agricultural industries like fruit and vegetable production depends on the development of new technologies utilizing AI to help our growers be competitive in a global environment," Rechcigl said. "More specifically, the economic impact of the AI center will be widespread. The center will strengthen the agricultural industry as well as support manufacturing industries focused on AI-based robotic technologies."
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ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state's agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
About AI at UF
The University of Florida is making artificial intelligence the centerpiece of a major, long-term initiative that combines world-class research infrastructure, cutting-edge research and a transformational approach to curriculum. UF is committed to building the nation's first AI University by offering artificial intelligence courses to all students in its 16 colleges through our AI Across the Curriculum program. Our faculty and students can analyze vast amounts of data that can impact our country's biggest challenges with HiPerGator, the most powerful, university-owned supercomputer in the nation.
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ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state's agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
About AI at UF
The University of Florida is making artificial intelligence the centerpiece of a major, long-term initiative that combines world-class research infrastructure, cutting-edge research and a transformational approach to curriculum. UF is committed to building the nation's first AI University by offering artificial intelligence courses to all students in its 16 colleges through our AI Across the Curriculum program. Our faculty and students can analyze vast amounts of data that can impact our country's biggest challenges with HiPerGator, the most powerful, university-owned supercomputer
Provided by University of Florida
