Lead Engineer (AgriTech) – Mechanical and Robotic Design (109023-0423)

An exciting opportunity exists to join the world-renowned University of Warwick, to work on highly innovative AgriTech projects. Current projects include a Crop lifecycle Monitoring and Automation Platform (CropMAP), a Smart Tree Production System (STPS), and an Autonomous Smart Spot-Precision Application of Herbicide (ASPA) solution. The STPS and ASPA projects are funded by the Forestry Commission’s Tree Production Innovation Fund (TPIF).

CropMAP will create an extendable, TRL7 mobile platform with an open interface for the monitoring and automation of indoor-based horticulture. It will also integrate a crop monitoring/inspection top module and includes related analytics and dashboards.

The STPS project aims to develop a comprehensive production system to enhance efficiency and resilience to labour shortages, with improved quality and data traceability of bare root seedlings. STPS will achieve better equipped nurseries, addressing the need for higher productivity and increased automation in the sector. The project includes automated production techniques, machine design, Computer vision system (CVS) and data collection.

The ASPA project will develop and demonstrate an autonomous weed control AI-based robot for smart spot-precision application of herbicide to reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals by 90%+. ASPA will allow the sector to expand with confidence to hit Government targets, enhance quality, improve sustainable practice, and offer cost-effective technology. ASPA includes two open-source AI models (weed detection and dosage - based on weed species, environmental variables, and herbicide), computer vision, and robotic spot application on a semi-autonomous platform.

For informal enquiries, please contact Emilio Loo Monardez via email: Emilio.Loo-Monardez@warwick.ac.uk.

We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis, even where a position is advertised as full-time, unless there are operational or other objective reasons why it is not possible to do so. 

Full details of the duties and selection criteria for this role can be found in the vacancy advert on the University of Warwick's jobs pages. You will be routed to this when you click on the Apply button.

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