Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Dejan Milutinovic and Center for Agroecology Executive Director Darryl Wong are leading a project to develop technology for fully autonomous farming using small tractors powered by solar or wind energy. The team will focus on three areas: the tractors’ ability to visually perceive its surroundings, tractor navigation along rows of plants, and incorporation of underrepresented farmers and farm communities in development of this technology. A team of students known as the Electrified Slugs are assisting in the development of the tractor software.
Center for Agroecology/UCSC participants: Dejan Milutinovic (Baskin Engineering), Stacy Philpott, Darryl Wong
Funding: Innovation and Business Hub Climate Action Track and Incubator Awards