Japan, South America, the US and Europe embrace innovative Australian artificial intelligence technology than many of their own companies, says cutting-edge agricultural tools experts.
Associate Professor Sigfredo Fuentes, a researcher at the University of Melbourne, says local companies are often slower to adopt tools such as advanced sensors and machine learning software than their global counterparts.
His argument is that the federal government circles larger technology adoption among companies as one of the key ways in which it kicks off Australia's slow productivity.
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Professor Fuentes is part of the university's digital agriculture, food and wine group, working on technologies such as the “electron North” for monitoring wine and beer quality.
Another recent project demonstrates how to use infrared sensors and machine learning tools to assess the quality and reliability of bottled beer.
Further research shows how artificial intelligence programs benefit avocado producers, with the group studying the best ways to grow plants and produce food in space.
I'll talk SmartCompany, Professor Fuentes said that despite its connection with local producers, locally developed technologies are “mainly adopted overseas.”
“Even some technologies funded by the Australian government.
“But Australian producers, they don't employ them, so it's getting more attention,” he said.
“For example, some of the apps using AI are adopted more than Japan, the US, Europe, or South America, not so many.”
Researchers believe artificial intelligence tools could also help winemaking. This includes helping businesses analyze grape health until harvest and maceration.
With enough data, producers can tell AI “I want to maintain this style, or change it a little, and have more acid.”
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This type of surveillance helps winemakers manage the impacts of climate change, and “e-North” helps determine whether bushfire smoke has damaged crops.
“And the entire process will change automatically.”
But local producers “really remain silent” to use AI in industries like wine, he said.
“Wine is a little more cultural and a little more romantic, so I don't want to fly around the drones.”
In comparison, producers in Mexico, another major winemaker, “there are more ways to implement these technologies,” he said.
Elsewhere, costs remain a limiting factor for many. Even the possibilities of AI-powered tools are intriguing.
A report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that insufficient funding is the main barrier between business and innovation, including technology upgrades.
Beyond cultural concerns about legacy industries like wine, Professor Fuentes acknowledged that, for advanced tools to bring about real change, they must be affordable for businesses due to the most desperate need for innovation.
“Artificial intelligence should be cheap and be adopted by small producers,” he said.
“you [get] Many small producers using AI will disrupt the entire agricultural production.”
The government is seeking productivity through new technologies
With labor productivity growth struggling at the lowest level in 60 years, Treasurer Jim Chalmers is tasked with the Productivity Committee to investigate how it can make the economy, workers and their businesses more efficient.
One of the reports highlights AI and machine learning tools, focusing on how Australia can leverage data and digital technology.
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And in June, the new Minister of Industry and Innovation and the Minister of Science and Science Tim Ayers unveiled the government's AI adoption tracker to understand how homemade businesses implement AI in their workflows.
“Australia needs to make the most of the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies like robotics and quantum,” said then Minister Ailes.
“Globally, the AI industry is growing rapidly.
“As a key driver of productivity, digital technology has the potential to raise wages, improve services and improve living standards for all Australians.”
And government data shows that shrinking businesses don't know how to use AI, and one in five reports they don't know how to implement it.
Beyond the construction and commercialization of AI technology for farmers, the growing network of startups and advisors is sought to connect rural producers with advanced technology.
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