LG CNS launches AI-driven smart farm using satellite

A new AI-powered smart farm utilizing satellite imagery to detect crop diseases and recommend treatment strategies is now operational, LG CNS Co., announced on Thursday.

LG CNS, a cloud computing services arm of South Korea's LG Corp., said it completed construction of an intelligent platform for a 543,000 square meter advanced agricultural production complex in Naju's Bannam-myeon district.

The project, a collaboration with South Jeolla Province and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, covers an area roughly the size of 76 soccer fields.

The smart farm leverages AI and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to operate unmanned tractors and rice transplanters.

The system analyzes soil conditions to determine optimal fertilizer types and quantities, and uses weather data to optimize irrigation timing and volume.

Employing satellite imagery, the platform analyzes vegetation indexes (an index quantifying plant conditions based on visible and near-infrared light reflected by plants) to identify pest infestations and recommend control measures.

It also utilizes data from drones, CCTV, and weather information to predict crop yields and prices.

LG CNS has further implemented the Digital Scarecrow service that utilizes lasers and frequencies to deter crop-damaging birds and animals.

Write to Hae-Sung Lee at ihs@hankyung.com