How Artificial Intelligence Can Enhance the Citrus Industry

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a promising area in computer science, automation, robotics, and recently in agriculture. Artificial intelligence describes the capability of a machine to imitate intelligence human behavior and mimic “cognitive” functions such as learning and problem solving. Machine learning (ML), which is an application of AI, is based on the idea that a machine (e.g., computer, micro-controller) can learn from data and identify patterns in data. A machine can “learn” from data without being programmed and adjust to new inputs to accomplish specific tasks (e.g., self-driving cars, phase/voice detection and classification). This process can eliminate human intervention and errors. In citrus, recent advances in AI (and ML) together with the latest technological developments in remote sensing, automation, and robotics can improve production management, optimize agrochemical applications, increase profit, and reduce negative environmental impact. This article presents several applications of AI (as examples) in citrus.