Sector Technology, machine, and stable construction

Different types of sensors can be used to identify variability within plots, crops, animal behavior, etc. or to detect anomalies. ILVO develops and validates new – and primarily smart – sensor technology (e.g. hyper- or multispectral sensors, ammonia sensors, or sensors in a milking robot) for a specific problem or challenge in practice. ILVO builds up data sets in practice-relevant trial setups and also directly ‘on-farm’ to study the correlations (with different product, plot, crop, or animal parameters). In addition, ILVO is investigating the possibilities of IoT sensors that can do data processing ‘on the edge’.

Sensors generate large amounts of data that must be processed in order to link a useful application to it or to support decision-making. After all, large amounts of data make it possible to calculate very accurate solutions and train algorithms (models). For this, ILVO uses innovative data processing techniques, such as statistical processing methods, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, deep learning, etc.

By sharing and combining the enormous amount of ‘big data’ in the agrifood chain, better advisory tools and apps can be developed. Together with several businesses from the agrifood sector, ILVO set up the data sharing platform DjustConnect to enable data sharing in a safe, fair, transparent, and efficient way. Respect for the farmer as the owner of the raw data is central.

> More info: DjustConnect.be

ILVO uses its knowledge in the field of sensor technology, data analysis, and data sharing for specific applications in precision agriculture. There are many potential benefits: site-specific fertilization and spraying, more accurate planning and delivery forecasts, increased traceability and transparency, and generally better-informed business decisions. Concretely, ILVO is investigating the potential of drone-based visual technology for crop monitoring, among other things.

> Read also what ILVO does for arable farming, horticulture and ornamental growing and organic farming

ILVO develops and validates sensors and algorithms for monitoring animals: eating patterns, drinking patterns, water consumption, weight, lameness, behavior, location, etc. Faster disease detection and prevention, improvement of animal welfare, and generally better decisions are of paramount importance. Where possible, the focus is therefore on the level of the individual animal, with dashboards and advice tailored to the farmer. ILVO also holds training courses and presentations on the use of sensors and data on cattle farms.

> Read also what ILVO does for pig farming, poultry and rabbit farming, dairy and beef cattle farming

ILVO designs and tests equipment and software for collecting data on fish stocks, socioeconomic parameters, etc. ILVO manages, interprets, and integrates this data into tools and advice on fish stock estimates, management strategies, and environmental policy. Last, ILVO develops and tests innovative adaptations to fishing gear, with the aim of making fishing more ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable.

> Read also what ILVO does for commercial fisheries

ILVO uses sensors and data analysis to identify variability within product flows before or during processing or to detect anomalies. One example is the use of hyper- and multispectral cameras and spectrometers for the fast, non-contact, and non-destructive estimation of various quality parameters of raw product flows or food products.

> More examples: Living Lab Agrifood Technology

ILVO develops solutions to use energy more efficiently in greenhouse horticulture, such as energy screens and vapor heat pumps. In addition, ILVO conducts research into the potential of renewable energy for livestock farming. More efficient use of energy is an important theme in ILVO climate research.

> More info about ILVO climate research: Center of Expertise for Agriculture and Climate

ILVO has extensive experience in measuring and evaluating emissions and their possible reduction strategies or techniques in and around farm buildings. Concretely, ILVO has the technology and knowledge to measures odor, particulate matter, and gases (CO₂, N₂O, CH₄, NH₃). ILVO also provides advice and supports the sectors and government authorities involved in the development and evaluation of (ammonia) emission-reduction barn systems.

Based on life cycle analysis (LCA), ILVO measures and evaluates the integral environmental sustainability of a product or process. All links in the production chain – from the extraction of raw materials to the finished product – are taken into account. Moreover, ILVO considers different environmental impact categories: not only is the carbon footprint or impact on climate change mapped, but the impact on water quality and water use, land use, etc. is also calculated. LCA analyses are widely used at ILVO but are prominently featured in climate research.

> More info about ILVO climate research: Center of Expertise for Agriculture and Climate

Through the development of a robot framework, ILVO wants to put knowledge about robotics into practice and also give smaller growers, who need flexibility and cost efficiency, access to automation.

ILVO also has a fully equipped workshop and an experienced team to design, build, and evaluate prototypes for automation and robotization in a practical environment.

> More info: Living Lab Agrifood Technology

ILVO inspires and supports businesses in their transition to Industry 4.0 on both a hardware and data management (software) level. Special attention is paid to the connectivity of processes within the business and throughout the chain. The Internet of Things (IoT) and big data analytics form the basis for this.

ILVO has its own workshop in which sensors are validated, prototypes are built, data are processed, and solutions are explored. Trial setups in the ILVO and Flanders’ FOOD Food Pilot allow new or improved processes to be evaluated in practice.

> More info: Living Lab Agrifood Technology

ILVO is internationally known and praised for its research into mechanization and spraying technology with the aim of more sustainable application technology for crop protection products and fertilizers. ILVO is also responsible for the execution of the mandatory inspection of spraying equipment in Flanders and has a BELAC‐accredited Spray Tech Lab equipped with the latest measuring technology.

> More info: ILVO Spray Tech Lab

ILVO provides advice on the maintenance of the milking installation or cooling tank. ILVO organizes training courses for this purpose and provides assistance to the milk cooling tank technicians, milking machine technicians, and milk production specialists. ILVO also inspects the measuring equipment used for measuring milking installations and cooling tanks.

> Read also what ILVO does for dairy farming

ILVO strives for livelihood security and a more stable income for all links in the agrifood chain, through economic business and sector analysis, research into profitability, added value, market competition, organization of sales, consumer preferences, and the role of cities and municipalities. In order to convert the theoretical knowledge from the research into recommendations that provide support for business leaders, ILVO builds useful web applications and tools.