Empowering a Sustainable Future

In agriculture, change is no longer a distant prospect; it’s an urgent reality. With labor shortages escalating and physical demands on workers increasing, the agriculture sector faces its most critical challenges. Yet, there is a beacon of hope: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics. These technologies are not just revolutionizing farming, they are reshaping the entire industry. The integration of AI and robotics in agriculture promises not just productivity, but a transformation that empowers workers, reduces physical strain and provides them with the tools to make smarter, real-time decisions.

As a FFAR Fellow at Auburn University’s Precision Agriculture Lab, my research is focused on harnessing AI-powered systems and robotic technologies to optimize agricultural practices and tackle the industry’s labor challenges. By developing solutions that automate tasks and provide farmers with real-time data, we are enabling smarter decision-making. This approach not only enhances resource management but also reduces reliance on manual labor, allowing workers to shift from routine tasks to higher-level responsibilities. Our work aims to make farming more efficient, sustainable and worker-friendly, providing a foundation for a technologically advanced agricultural future.

My primary project involves developing a dynamic smart inventory system (NurseryBot) for autonomous plant counting and quality assessment in nurseries. Accurate plant counting is essential for efficient nursery management; manual methods are time-consuming, labor-intensive and prone to inaccuracies, often leading to worker fatigue and health concerns. To solve this, I am designing an automated system that employs multi-camera imaging and deep learning algorithms to detect and assess plants even in complex, congested environments. The goal is a fully functional, field-tested prototype that can accurately monitor diverse plant species and improve management decisions in real nursery conditions.

Beyond this, our lab is advancing research using unmanned aerial and ground vehicles (UAVs and UGVs) to monitor and maintain crops like blueberries, peaches, tomatoes and squash. I am currently developing an autonomous framework in which an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) can communicate and collaborate with an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) to perform coordinated operations such as targeted spraying and variable-rate nutrient application, improving environmental sustainability. I am also working on biomass estimation of cover crops using hyperspectral imagery, providing valuable insights for sustainable land and resource management. These projects have significant social, environmental and economic impacts, alleviating labor burdens, promoting resource efficiency and supporting the ornamental and fruit crop industries contributions to the broader economy. This interdisciplinary approach exemplifies how technology can enhance productivity while improving working conditions and reducing the physical demands of farming.

AI and robotics are not just tools of convenience. They are catalysts for meaningful transformation. By automating repetitive, high-strain tasks, we enable workers to focus on activities that foster creativity and innovation. As agriculture continues to evolve, the fusion of human expertise and technological advancement will ensure that farming not only thrives but also becomes more sustainable.

Being part of the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) Fellows Program has been instrumental in shaping this vision. The program’s emphasis on professional development, mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration has equipped me to translate complex ideas into practical, impactful solutions. It has strengthened my leadership and communication skills, deepened my understanding of agricultural innovation and connected me with an inspiring community of scientists committed to positive change. I am deeply grateful to my sponsor, the  Rockey FFAR Fellows Fund, my advisor Dr. Tanzeel Rehman and my FFAR Fellows cohort for their guidance and encouragement throughout this journey. Their support has empowered me to pursue research that not only addresses technical challenges but also uplifts the lives of farmers and laborers, ensuring that the future of agriculture is both intelligent and human-centered.