#AI crop detection

[rydotinfotech]

AI computer vision transforms agriculture! Discover precision farming, smart monitoring, and automated harvesting. Learn about Recognizer Solutions' AI solutions.

[eileen-crys]

AI DISTURBANCE "OVERLAYS" DO NOT WORK!

To all the artists and folks who want to protect their art against AI mimicry: all the "AI disturbance" overlays that are circulating online lately DON'T WORK!

Glaze's disturbance (and now the Ibis Paint premium feature, apparently. Not sure.) modifies the image on a code-level, it's not just an overlayed effect but it actually affects the image's data so AI can't really detect and interpret the code within the image. From the Glaze website:

Can't you just apply some filter, compression, blurring, or add some noise to the image to destroy image cloaks? As counterintuitive as this may be, the high level answer is that no simple tools work to destroy the perturbation of these image cloaks. To make sense of this, it helps to first understand that cloaking does not use high-intensity pixels, or rely on bright patterns to distort the image. It is a precisely computed combination of a number of pixels that do not easily stand out to the human eye, but can produce distortion in the AI's “eye.” In our work, we have performed extensive tests showing how robust cloaking is to things like image compression and distortion/noise/masking injection. Another way to think about this is that the cloak is not some brittle watermark that is either seen or not seen. It is a transformation of the image in a dimension that humans do not perceive, but very much in the dimensions that the deep learning model perceive these images. So transformations that rotate, blur, change resolution, crop, etc, do not affect the cloak, just like the same way those operations would not change your perception of what makes a Van Gogh painting "Van Gogh."

Anyone can request a WebGlaze account for FREE, just send an Email or a DM to the official Glaze Project accounts on X and Instagram, they reply within a few days. Be sure to provide a link to your art acc (anywhere) so they know you're an artist.

Please don't be fooled by those colorful and bright overlays to just download and put on your art: it won't work against AI training. Protect your art with REAL Glaze please 🙏🏻 WebGlaze is SUPER FAST, you upload the artwork and they send it back to you within five minutes, and the effect is barely visible!

Official Glaze Project website | Glaze FAQs | about WebGlaze

[weaselle]

listen.

the problem with generative AI isn't that it exists. It's how it's being used. Just like GMOs

The same way that GMO organisms could include corn (was a grass similar to wheat before humans bred it into the corn of today, which is incapable of growing in the wild without people tending it) or sheep (zero sheep evolved into sheep in the wild, they all started as goats that humans turned into sheep through intense breeding programs)

Generative AI could include the "therapist" program that could (kind of) hold a conversation that i interacted with briefly out of curiosity in 1993, or the "gibberish machine" program that my brother used to use to write essays with when he suspected his high school teachers weren't really reading the essays they graded (this program wrote sentences that followed all the grammar rules of english, but made no actual sense when you read them)

and the same way GMO crops can be (and have been) used to do things like save entire starving countries, generative AI can be used for great things too.

The problem isn't that generative AI exists and is used, the problem is that there is no good regulatory laws for it and therefor giant immoral companies are using it in heinous ways

like iphone updates that automatically opt you in for sharing all your photos on your phone with AI learning programs that allow companies to do things we're not sure we like, such as being able to tell exactly where you are on the planet from the shadows being cast in any photo it sees. Or entertainment companies using it to undermine and topple entertainment worker unions.

Just like the problem with GMO crops isn't that they exist but what General Mills and Coke are trying to do with them, the problem with generative AI isn't that it exists but what Disney and Google are trying to do with them

And we really really need to stop having a knee-jerk reaction of "generative AI is the DEVIL" and start getting really specific about what we do and don't like about the way it's used because that's the only way we'll get the regulatory laws we need

Like even differentiating between generative and other kinds of AI seems to fall outside most people's willingness to actually think about what AI is.

Because (non generative) AI is used for things like diagnosing cancers that we can't detect in other ways, and sequencing ancient human genomes to discover how many species like neanderthal have contributed genes to our modern existence.

And even generative AI can be a great tool for all our benefit.

The issue isn't that evil AI exists and is bad.

The issue is that neutral AI exists and is so new that it's easy for big companies like Apple and Fox Entertainment to misuse it in ways we hate

And the way forward is to be specific about the ways we hate, so we can get laws in place that prevent AI from being used that way.

AI is like any other useful tool we've ever had. Just like fire, it is too useful for too many things to just hate outright, you have to be focused on things like "let's make it illegal to light other people and/or their belongings on fire" and "let's say you have to follow safety laws about when and where and how you can have a campfire" etc

It's not going away, so we'd better get focused on the controls we want as soon as possible. The longer we sit around yelling that AI is evil, the longer we go without the regulations we need, because you can't make a law that just says "AI is evil"

end rant

[silna-pdf]

Fungus robots definitely wasn’t a research project that was relevant during the development of the game, but it makes me wonder of the conceptual potential with D:BH androids being biohybrid AI.

Using fungus as substance for brain matter or for more complex processors like heat signal or other sensory input because Fungi are living systems. specifically Mycelia has the ability to sense chemical and biological signals and respond to multiple inputs, making changes in the agricultural industry using fungus to detect Ph balance in soil for row crops.

Fungi also supposedly have shown a pattern of electrical impulses, which mimic language and grammatical structures. Like literal back and forth communication, functionally similar to neurons. Seeing this revelation would make anyone want to connect it to a robot to see what it could do. & sure enough fungus can absolutely control robots, amongst other things like responding to light.

With that, intermingling fungi with biocomponents to mimic more complex environmental inputs that computers itself can’t process would make some great androids. Maybe the fungus could develop its own thought patterns and reactions to environmental stimulus instead of following the computer portion of programmed information. Mostly because the software cannot form an accurate response to emotional shocks, or to more tricky forms of communication such as social cues.

Therefore if CyberLife androids were biohybrid robots, and the deviation of their programming is as a result of fungal growth in response to stimuli…

wouldn’t that make them an organic form of intelligent life?

[mariacallous]

ChatGPT has already wreaked havoc on classrooms and changed how teachers approach writing homework, since OpenAI publicly launched the generative AI chatbot in late 2022. School administrators rushed to try to detect AI-generated essays, and in turn, students scrambled to find out how to cloak their synthetic compositions. But by focusing on writing assignments, educators let another seismic shift take place in the periphery: students using AI more often to complete math homework too.

Right now, high schoolers and college students around the country are experimenting with free smartphone apps that help complete their math homework using generative AI. One of the most popular options on campus right now is the Gauth app, with millions of downloads. It’s owned by ByteDance, which is also TikTok’s parent company.

The Gauth app first launched in 2019 with a primary focus on mathematics, but soon expanded to other subjects as well, like chemistry and physics. It’s grown in relevance, and neared the top of smartphone download lists earlier this year for the education category. Students seem to love it. With hundreds of thousands of primarily positive reviews, Gauth has a favorable 4.8 star rating in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

All students have to do after downloading the app is point their smartphone at a homework problem, printed or handwritten, and then make sure any relevant information is inside of the image crop. Then Gauth’s AI model generates a step-by-step guide, often with the correct answer.

From our testing on high-school-level algebra and geometry homework samples, Gauth’s AI tool didn’t deliver A+ results and particularly struggled with some graphing questions. It performed well enough to get around a low B grade or a high C average on the homework we fed it. Not perfect, but also likely good enough to satisfy bored students who'd rather spend their time after school doing literally anything else.

The app struggled more on higher levels of math, like Calculus 2 problems, so students further along in their educational journey may find less utility in this current generation of AI homework-solving apps.

Yes, generative AI tools, with a foundation in natural language processing, are known for failing to generate accurate answers when presented with complex math equations. But researchers are focused on improving AI’s abilities in this sector, and an entry-level high school math class is likely well within the reach of current AI homework apps. Will has even written about how researchers at Google DeepMind are ecstatic about recent results from testing a math-focused large language model, called AlphaProof, on problems shown at this year’s International Math Olympiad.

To be fair, Gauth positions itself as an AI study company that’s there to “ace your homework” and help with difficult problems, rather than a cheating aid. The company even goes so far as to include an “Honor Code” on its website dictating proper usage. “Resist the temptation to use Gauth in ways that go against your values or school’s expectations,” reads the company’s website. So basically, Gauth implicitly acknowledges impulsive teenagers may use the app for much more than the occasional stumper, and wants them to pinkie promise that they’ll behave.

Prior to publication, a spokesperson for ByteDance did not answer a list of questions about the Gauth app when contacted by WIRED over email.

It’s easy to focus on Gauth’s limitations, but millions of students now have a free app in their pocket that can walk them through various math problems in seconds, with decent accuracy. This concept would be almost inconceivable to students from even a few years ago.

You could argue that Gauth promotes accessibility for students who don’t have access to quality education or who process information at a slower pace than their teacher’s curriculum. It’s a perspective shared by proponents of using AI tools, like ChatGPT, in the classroom. As long as the students all make it to the same destination, who cares what path they took on the journey? And isn’t this just the next evolution in our available math tools? We moved on from the abacus to the graphing calculator, so why not envision generative AI as another critical step forward?

I see value in teachers thoughtfully employing AI in the classroom for specific lessons or to provide students with more personalized practice questions. But I can’t get out of my head how this app, if students overly rely on it, could hollow out future generations’ critical thinking skills—often gleaned from powering through frustrating math classes and tough homework assignments. (I totally get it, though, as an English major.)

Educational leaders are missing the holistic picture if they continue to focus on AI-generated essays as the primary threat that could undermine the current approach to teaching. Instead of arduous assignments to complete outside of class, maybe centering in-class math practice could continue to facilitate positive learning outcomes in the age of AI.

If Gauth and apps like it eventually lead to the demise of math homework for high schoolers, throngs of students will breathe a collective sigh of relief. How will parents and educators respond? I’m not so sure. That remains an open question, and one for which Gauth can’t calculate an answer yet either.

[highways-are-liminal-spaces]

Hello! I've been looking at setting up an Inprnt shop myself, but I'm unfamiliar with the platform from an artist's perspective. I was wondering if you'd be willing to let me know what you think about it? Any pros or cons you've found while using it?

Totally, here's a quick pros-cons rundown from my experience:

Pros:

Unbelievably easy to use for uploads

All the printing and shipping work is done very smoothly on their end

Firmly anti-AI and anti-plagiarism, with fast responses to reporting and also backstops against false-positive AI detection

Higher default percentage payout (30%) than many competitors

Very reasonably priced for higher quality prints. I've used the site for a canvas print of one of my own photos as well as for some posters of other artists' work, and everything has been really professional

Artist's prices for your own work (again, I got a really nice canvas print of one of my bears that's hanging in the living room of my dad's house)

Easily allows you to place orders for other shops on the site using your balance from your sales

Cons:

Custom crops are not supported

Payout percentage is still very low relatively speaking (obviously worth it to me for the amount of time/work, but it wouldn't be where I'd sell digital art, for example)

Setting up withdrawals is very annoying and you can only do it at over $100 without filling out a special request, which is limited annually. Given the relatively low price of most sales, this may take a long time for a small shop and sucks when $80 is sitting there and would make a huge difference in your life.

No ability to batch upload work

Relatively difficult to internally promote your work on (again, I don't put that much time into the site, but if I were a full-time artist, I would want more from it)

[deadbangdetectives]

Rules and FAQ

What is this event?

A challenge for authors and artists to come together and create Dead Boy Detectives fanworks! Authors will write one complete fic which has not been previously posted, and artists will create at least one piece of art for the fic that they claim. Completed works can either be posted on AO3 to the event collection, or Tumblr, or both, in addition to wherever else you desire.

What's the difference between the Big Bang and the Mini Bang?

Each challenge has different requirements. Participants may choose to take part in either one. For authors, the Big Bang has a minimum word count of 20k, while the Mini Bang has a minimum word count of 5k. For artists, the Big Bang has a minimum requirement of:

two pieces of art in a medium of your choice OR

one piece of art and one promotional piece (for example, a banner for a post, or a crop of your art as a teaser, etc.)

While the Mini Bang has a minimum requirement of:

one piece of art in a medium of your choice.

Are there any content restrictions?

Any rating is allowed. All fics must have archive warnings tagged. Only participants who are 18+ may work on explicit fic or art. Any use of generative AI in the event will result in participants being banned from the challenge.

How do sign-ups work?

On the day sign-ups open, there will be two separate Google forms posted, one for artists and one for writers. Authors should have their fic concept in mind to submit their sign-up, as that information will be used for claims. Participants are required to sign up using an email address that they check regularly, since all important information about the challenge will be communicated via email.

What happens if I drop out?

If you drop out before claims, there will be no penalty. If you miss more than one check-in, or if you inform a mod that you will be dropping out, you will be removed from the challenge and a pinch hitter will take your place. You may not rejoin the same round of the challenge after dropping out.

What pairings/characters can I include in my fic?

You may include any characters and any pairings.

Can I talk about what I’m creating for the challenge?

You may not publicly discuss your fic or idea until after claims have been completed. There will be channels available in the Discord server private to writers, where you may discuss your fic. After claims, you will be expected to share and collaborate with your assigned artist. At that time, you are free to discuss your work at will, although any previews of fic or art must be either confined to the Discord server or otherwise private, such as in DMs.

Does my fic have to be betaed?

No. We encourage but do not require works to be betaed. You may use a beta you already have, or if you need help finding a beta, feel free to ask in the Discord server by pinging the beta role.

What kind of art can I make?

We allow art of any medium, including but not limited to digital art, traditional art, manips, edits, fanvids, fibercraft, physical art (such as sculptures, paper art, etc.), moodboards, and playlists. Artists of any skill level are allowed to join the challenge. Any use of generative AI in the event will result in participants being banned from the challenge.

Do I have to join the Discord?

No, but it is strongly encouraged that you do. Creating an account is free. Real-time updates will be announced there first, and you can chat with your fellow creators and mods. All important information will also be sent via email. You must have an email account which you check regularly to participate in this challenge. 

I have another question.

Send us an ask, or email us at dbdabangmods [AT] gmail.com, or contact handwrittenhello on Discord.

[pankukaushal]

𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐈-:

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 ?

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems capable of performing complex tasks that historically only a human could do, such as reasoning, making decisions, or solving problems.

𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐈 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬-:

AI today exhibits a wide range of capabilities, including natural language processing (NLP), machine learning (ML), computer vision, and generative AI. These capabilities are used in various applications like virtual assistants, recommendation systems, fraud detection, autonomous vehicles, and image generation. AI is also transforming industries like healthcare, finance, transportation, and creative domains. 

𝐀𝐈 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐬/𝐓𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬-:

ChatGpt, Gemini, Duolingo etc are the major tools/apps of using AI.

𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐈-:

1. Bias and Discrimination: AI algorithms can be trained on biased data, leading to discriminatory outcomes in areas like hiring, lending, and even criminal justice. 

2. Security Vulnerabilities: AI systems can be exploited through cybersecurity attacks, potentially leading to data breaches, system disruptions, or even the misuse of AI in malicious ways. 

3. Privacy Violations: AI systems often rely on vast amounts of personal data, raising concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse of that data. 

4. Job Displacement: Automation driven by AI can lead to job losses in various sectors, potentially causing economic and social disruption. 

5. Misuse and Weaponization: AI can be used for malicious purposes, such as developing autonomous weapons systems, spreading disinformation, or manipulating public opinion. 

6. Loss of Human Control: Advanced AI systems could potentially surpass human intelligence and become uncontrollable, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of humanity. 

𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐈:-

Healthcare:AI will revolutionize medical diagnostics, personalize treatment plans, and assist in complex surgical procedures. 

Workplace:AI will automate routine tasks, freeing up human workers for more strategic and creative roles. 

Transportation:Autonomous vehicles and intelligent traffic management systems will enhance mobility and safety. 

Finance:AI will reshape algorithmic trading, fraud detection, and economic forecasting. 

Education:AI will personalize learning experiences and offer intelligent tutoring systems. 

Manufacturing:AI will enable predictive maintenance, process optimization, and quality control. 

Agriculture:AI will support precision farming, crop monitoring, and yield prediction. 

[olderthannetfic]

An addition made a good point. Both Grammarly and Google Docs' built-in spellcheck see "Where are you?" he asked. and tell you that it should instead be "Where are you?" He asked.

I wonder why, because it should be able to detect the context of the question and its dialogue tag. But I have noticed that all spell checks have become notably worse in the past years. Constantly making awkward suggestions or ones that are just plain wrong. I wonder if the rise in AI tools has anything to do with that or if there's another reason for why they've been gradually getting weaker.

--

No clue. I turned off grammar check in the 90s or whenever it first cropped up in MS Word and never turned any of them back on.

[audioeidolon]

🧩🎨☁️🏜️❄️🍬💌🥑

WHOAH WE GOT A BIG ONE HERE

🧩 ⇢ what will make you click away from a fanfiction immediately?

Disclaimer: every piece of fanfiction is a gift from an angel. I love it all, because no matter how cringe or silly it is, the alternative is that fic NOT existing and that is unacceptable to me. That goes for any art.

Okay salty little hater time: Who the fuck started saying "greenette" or "pinkette" to stand in as an indicator for a person with a certain hair color. It is the new "orbs" in fanfiction. I literally have backed out of a fic, walked around a bit, and then gone back in resigned. It's so funny and I actually think of it really fondly, because it's a symptom of fandom the same was all the old fic tropes back in the early 2000's were. But god it even hurt me to write out. Weird formatting and paragraphs breaks I can adjust to pretty easily.

🎨 ⇢ link your favourite piece of fanart and explain why you like it

THIS TAROT SERIES FROM KAYSON (@tangledinink) They picked all of the series perfectly for the cards, they didn't just half heartedly pick the aesthetics that fit, and every single one is absolutely GORGEOUS. The style fits in with the other art/fics perfectly while still having that special little background/detail flair that Kayson likes to use. Fantastic. ('Strength' for LSoW Yoshi was an inspired pick as well. Love it.)

MATCHING BEST IS THIS COMIC by @cool-chocolatebouquet A whole comic! On one of my fave parts of mine and @alicat54cwriting's crossover??? So funny and good.

☁️ ⇢ what made you choose your username?

My username was 'spectralsleuth' for a while because I had thoughts of making a webcomic series about a detective who is dead, and was brain rotted by Homestuck naming conventions. (Which in itself was a satire of early 2000's internet culture, only dramatized.) That never happened, but the name stuck for all my accounts because I'm too lazy to think of a new one.

'audioEidolon' was what I started with on discord forever ago, and I wasn't ever planning to talk to anyone on voice chat because I was shy. (Thus the 'audio eidolon' name.) But I made some really good friends playing DnD and we talk almost every day, and have done for almost seven years now. So I guess my internet nickname will forever be 'Audio' or 'Audi'.

🏜️ ⇢ what's your favourite type of comment to receive on your work?

I love comments that pull out a line they specifically liked, or struck them. Maybe it's selfish, but I like seeing the specific things they liked because THAT'S the kind of comment that you think about while writing and forever after. (Despite how nice and easy as generalized comments are. I love all comments!) I even prefer comments that pull a specific line to say they didn't understand it, or noticed it was a little weird or out of place over generic ones, because it shows that they're invested and actually internalizing the writing. In this day and age of bots and AI, it's nice.

❄️ ⇢ what's your dream theme/plot for a fic, and who would write it best?

MAN THIS IS A TOUGH ONE. Every time I think, wow I wish that fic existed, I generally write it myself! I really can't think of anything I've wanted that I haven't at least started to write myself.

🍬 ⇢ post an unpopular opinion about a popular fandom character

Oh man I don't know if I even HAVE an unpopular opinion about a popular fandom character? My 2003 Leonardo opinions are surprisingly rare I think, he's one of my favorite TMNT characters of all time, and I think he and ROTTMNT Leonardo actually have the MOST in common between their counterparts. I never understood those crossovers where Leo and Leonardo were so bewildered by each other.

💌 ⇢ how many unread emails do you have right now? 

ZERO BABEY. So I actually have OCD and notification stress me out really bad. Like make my tummy hurt and I dream about them. This is the notifications for all three of my main email accounts:

Ignore the ranchers I'm too lazy to crop, the photo widget has like 100 pieces of fanart I really like for all my fandoms. (Natural evolution from printing pictures at the school library to put in your see through binder cover)

🥑 ⇢ you accidentally killed somebody, which mutual(s) do you text for help?

@heckitall honestly? Not because we are besties (WE ARE) but I think Heck would have genuine logical knowledge and together we could figure things out and how to hide the body. (Heck hmu I got a job for you.)

[jcmarchi]

Four Growers Secures $9M Series A to Revolutionize Greenhouse Farming with AI and Robotics

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/four-growers-secures-9m-series-a-to-revolutionize-greenhouse-farming-with-ai-and-robotics/

Four Growers Secures $9M Series A to Revolutionize Greenhouse Farming with AI and Robotics

Four Growers, a pioneering agtech robotics company, has raised $9 million in a Series A funding round led by Basset Capital, with participation from Ospraie Ag Science, Y Combinator, and other key investors. This funding will propel the production of its flagship GR-100 robotic harvester and expand the company’s global reach across Europe, North America, and Oceania. The announcement signals a major leap in the $40 billion indoor farming market, addressing labor shortages, rising costs, and food waste with groundbreaking technology.

Transforming Greenhouse Agriculture with the GR-100

At the heart of Four Growers’ innovation is the GR-100, an autonomous tomato-harvesting robot that’s setting new benchmarks in efficiency and precision for greenhouse farming. The GR-100 boasts:

5x faster picking speeds than competitors, harvesting up to 43 kilograms per hour of cherry and grape tomatoes.

98% ripeness detection accuracy, powered by eight stereo cameras and advanced AI.

34x faster pathfinding than standard motion planning algorithms, ensuring optimal harvesting paths.

The GR-100 adapts seamlessly to most greenhouse environments, requiring little to no facility modifications, and integrates robust plant analytics for comprehensive yield insights. With features like 24/7 operation, remote monitoring dashboards, and an automated packing cart capable of handling up to 246 kilograms in one session, the GR-100 is redefining what’s possible in greenhouse crop management.

Tackling Global Challenges in Agriculture

For decades, crops like wheat and soy have benefited from automation, driving down costs and boosting production. However, fruits and vegetables, which demand precise handling and skilled labor, have lagged behind. This disparity has led to harvesting costs being up to 15x higher for fruits and vegetables. Compounding the issue, labor shortages often leave crops unharvested, exacerbating food waste.

“While we’ve started with greenhouse tomatoes, which account for 50% of all the fresh tomatoes consumed in the US, our technology has now proven its potential in other crops like cucumbers and will be applied to all fruits and vegetables in both greenhouses and fields,” said Brandon Contino, CEO of Four Growers. “Securing this funding enables us to accelerate the integration of our AI and robotics into agriculture, improving global food production and ensuring sustainable, high-quality, and affordable produce is available for everyone.”

Proven Impact and Growing Market Potential

Four Growers’ technology is already making an impact, with millions of tomatoes harvested and sold through grocery stores worldwide. Partnering with agricultural leaders like Syngenta Vegetable Seeds, the company has demonstrated the scalability and reliability of its AI-powered solutions across customer farms in North America and Europe.

The indoor farming market, valued at $40.51 billion in 2023, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.3% through 2033, according to a study by Fact.MR. This rapid growth underscores the increasing demand for innovative farming solutions amidst labor shortages and operational challenges.

A Visionary Team Backed by Industry Leaders

Founded in Pittsburgh, Four Growers emerged from Y Combinator in 2018 with a vision to revolutionize farming through robotics. Since its inception, the company has secured over $15 million in total funding and eight-figure contracts, thanks to strategic backing from investors such as Better Food Ventures, Taver Capital, Xplorer Capital, and Pete Wurman, co-founder of Kiva Systems.

“From the outset, it was apparent that the Four Growers team had made significant advancements in solving long-standing issues in the agriculture sector,” said John Overbeck of Basset Capital. “Implementation of robotics and AI in agriculture will provide a great opportunity to enhance operations and significantly increase productivity. We are confident that Four Growers will continue to be a leader in this effort.”

Looking Ahead: Scaling Innovation for Global Impact

With this latest funding, Four Growers aims to:

Accelerate production of the GR-100.

Expand its research and development efforts.

Deploy its technology across more regions, focusing on Europe, North America, and Oceania.

Beyond tomatoes, the company plans to adapt its technology to other greenhouse crops like cucumbers and peppers, with ambitions to address field-grown crops in the future. By combining robotics, AI, and advanced analytics, Four Growers is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable, efficient farming solutions.

A Future of Affordable, Sustainable Food

Four Growers’ mission to provide healthy, affordable, and locally sourced produce through robotics is reshaping agriculture. By reducing production costs and food waste, the company is paving the way for a future where nutritious and sustainable food is accessible to everyone.

[walkawaytall]

Palantir freaks me out, and I have some thoughts...

Look, I have no actual plan here. Nothing concrete, anyway. But, I've just been thinking a lot about data collection lately. As someone who works with data professionally -- and specifically has a background in data quality -- I wanted to talk about different factors that make using data very difficult.

We have a saying in the data world: "Garbage in, garbage out." What that means is that you can have the nicest programs, the shiniest dashboards, and the smartest analysts, but if the data you're working with is inconsistent, incorrect, or missing, your conclusions cannot be counted on. We ran into this a lot at my last job; people would blame this one particular program that sat on top of a specific database for all the company's ills because, when we first started using it, our data quality was very poor. It took years of consistent data quality efforts and data clean-up to regain the trust of most of the company, and some people still distrusted the data in that database despite proof that it was actually a very good source by the end.

Think about it: you can run the most advanced analysis on a robust dataset, but if a quarter of the data is wrong, what good is the analysis?

So, here are a list of factors that I personally found the most frustrating to deal with as a data quality analyst, from least to most disruptive:

Missing data. Missing data is annoying, and in some cases, it can halt a project in its tracks. However, missing data can often be found, especially if it's something that was stored elsewhere -- like in state records or the like. It's also easier to recognize a problem if a field is empty -- searching for a "null" value is super simple.

Corrupt/consistently incorrect data. This is annoying, but it's something that a program or person can pick up on pretty quickly. For instance, I once found a crop of records for which the state IDs were all in the same way. I'm pretty sure what happened is someone dumped the IDs in Excel and some leading zeroes got deleted and zeroes were filled in at the end of the ID to make up for the missing numerals. It was kind of crazy that I even found these, but once I did, I quickly noticed the pattern and was able to fix them pretty easily because they were all wrong in the same way. Similarly, we received a bunch of records in an acquisition that had a value of "0" in one particular column for most wells. The "0" was meaningless, so we quickly deleted it.

Obviously incorrect data. Depending on the company, there may be measures put in place to catch data that is obviously outside the bounds of reality. Whether it be locations that don't exist or a part size that's far too large or small for the job being done, this sort of bad data can be found and deleted or excluded somewhat easily as long as parameters are established for the affect data points.

Plausible-yet-incorrect data. This is the absolute worst. Unless there is a ton of other data supporting or disproving the data point, finding and correcting it involves a lot more work -- and is sometimes impossible if the data is inconsistent across systems. Depending on the data point, AI/machine learning programs may not be able to detect that there's a problem, because all they're trained to do is recognize patterns, and if the piece of data isn't obviously incorrect or outside the bounds of possibility, it might go undetected. Too much plausible-yet-incorrect data in one dataset makes that dataset essentially useless, because who even knows what's true or not?

I'm not sure where to go with this. But it's just something I've been thinking about a lot lately.

[ujwala-hole11]

Pest Control Market Insights Health and Hygiene Awareness Driving Preventive Solutions

The pest control market is a dynamic industry influenced by evolving consumer demands, regulatory frameworks, and technological advancements. This article delves into key insights about the pest control market, highlighting factors driving growth, challenges, and opportunities for innovation.

Pest Control Market Insights: Urbanization Driving Demand

Rapid urbanization has led to increased pest infestations in cities, requiring effective management strategies. Dense housing developments and waste mismanagement provide fertile grounds for pests, pushing urban consumers and municipalities to seek professional pest control services.

Pest Control Market Insights: Focus on Sustainable Solutions

Consumers and businesses are increasingly favoring environmentally friendly pest control options. The demand for biopesticides, organic repellents, and integrated pest management (IPM) techniques has surged, reflecting a shift toward sustainability within the industry.

Pest Control Market Insights: Technological Advancements in Pest Control

Technology is transforming pest control methods. Innovations such as AI-powered pest monitoring, IoT devices for real-time detection, and drone-based pest spraying systems are enhancing efficiency and precision, catering to both residential and industrial needs.

Pest Control Market Insights: Agriculture Sector and Pest Management

Agricultural pest control is critical for ensuring food security and maximizing crop yields. Precision agriculture, biological pest control methods, and automated pest monitoring systems are becoming integral to managing pests in farming.

Pest Control Market Insights: Commercial Sector Expansion

The commercial pest control market is growing significantly as industries like hospitality, food processing, and healthcare prioritize pest management for regulatory compliance and customer safety. Commercial facilities are investing heavily in regular pest inspections and preventive measures.

Pest Control Market Insights: Health and Hygiene Awareness

Heightened awareness about health risks associated with pests, such as disease transmission and allergic reactions, is driving consumers to opt for preventive pest control measures. The focus on hygiene has intensified in the wake of global pandemics.

Pest Control Market Insights: Challenges in Rural Areas

While urban areas have easy access to pest control services, rural regions face challenges such as limited service providers and lack of awareness. Addressing these gaps presents a significant growth opportunity for the pest control market.

Pest Control Market Insights: Regulatory Landscape and Compliance

Strict regulations governing pesticide use and environmental protection are reshaping the pest control industry. Companies must invest in compliance and innovation to meet regulatory standards while delivering effective solutions.

Pest Control Market Insights: Mergers and Strategic Alliances

Mergers, acquisitions, and collaborations among pest control companies are driving market consolidation. Strategic alliances help businesses expand their service offerings, adopt new technologies, and enhance their market presence.

Conclusion: Unlocking Potential in the Pest Control Market

The pest control market offers immense growth opportunities, driven by urbanization, health awareness, and technological advancements. However, addressing challenges such as sustainability, rural access, and regulatory compliance is essential. By focusing on innovation, eco-friendly solutions, and strategic collaborations, the pest control industry can achieve long-term growth and success.

[anxioussimmer28]

The Legacy of Life Challenge {sims 4 legacy challenge}

The Legacy of Life Challenge

{written by ai}

A 10-generation Sims 4 challenge where each generation has a distinct theme and set of goals to complete before moving on to the next.

Rules:

Start with a single founder in any world.

Money cheats are only allowed for Generation 1’s start-up (if needed).

Each generation must complete their goals before the heir takes over.

The heir can be any gender and must follow the next generation’s theme.

Generation 1 – The Dreamer 🌱

"You always knew you wanted more in life. With nothing but a small plot of land and a dream, you set out to build a legacy."

Start with a small home (or rags to riches if you want a challenge).

Must reach level 10 in a creative skill (Painting, Writing, or Music).

Marry someone who supports your dreams.

Have at least two children.

Fully upgrade your house before passing it down.

Generation 2 – The Rebel 🎸

"You grew up watching your parent chase dreams, but you want to break the mold and create your own path."

Have the "Noncommittal" or "Hot-Headed" trait.

Drop out of high school or start as a high school dropout.

Reach level 10 in Acting, Music, or Comedy.

Never marry, but have at least one child.

Live in an apartment at some point in your life.

Generation 3 – The Healer 🌿

"You saw the chaos in your parent’s life and decided to take a different path—one of healing and helping others."

Have the "Good" or "Genius" trait.

Become a doctor, veterinarian, or wellness guru.

Master the Wellness or Parenting skill.

Adopt at least one child.

Grow a garden with at least 10 perfect plants.

Generation 4 – The Superstar ⭐

"You always wanted to be in the spotlight and finally get your chance to shine."

Join the Acting or Social Media career.

Gain at least 1,000 followers.

Reach level 10 in Charisma and Acting.

Have a high-maintenance or materialistic spouse.

Have at least two kids, but struggle to balance fame and family.

Generation 5 – The Farmer 🚜

"After a life in the spotlight, you crave simplicity. The countryside is calling."

Move to Henford-on-Bagley or any rural area.

Own at least 3 farm animals.

Grow and sell crops for income.

Win a competition at the Finchwick Fair.

Have a close-knit family and teach your children responsibility.

Generation 6 – The Detective 🔎

"You’ve always been fascinated by mysteries. Now it’s time to solve them."

Join the Detective career or Freelance Investigator (mod-friendly).

Reach level 10 in the Logic and Fitness skills.

Solve at least 5 StrangerVille mysteries or Paranormal investigations.

Never marry, but have one "secret" love interest.

Die under "mysterious circumstances" (Ghost or storytelling event).

Generation 7 – The Inventor 🛠️

"With a brilliant mind and love for innovation, you aim to change the world."

Join the Scientist career or become a self-employed inventor.

Max the Robotics and Handiness skills.

Build and use a Servo robot as a household helper.

Travel to Sixam and befriend an alien.

Have a child who inherits your love for science.

Generation 8 – The Outlaw 🏴‍☠️

"You rejected society’s rules and became a rogue. The world is your playground."

Join the Criminal career or become a self-employed thief.

Master Mischief and Programming.

Steal at least 10 expensive items.

Never have a stable relationship, but have at least one kid.

Have a falling-out with your heir, causing family drama.

Generation 9 – The Royal 👑

"You grew up hearing stories of your outlaw parent, but you want power and prestige."

Marry into or create a royal/noble family.

Have at least 3 kids, one must be the “golden child.”

Reach level 10 in Politics or Business.

Throw extravagant parties regularly.

Keep strict rules about family status (i.e., no dating commoners).

Generation 10 – The Wanderer ✈️

"After generations of building a legacy, you feel a pull to travel and find yourself."

Never live in one home for more than a season.

Max the Photography, Selvadoradian Culture, or Archaeology skill.

Visit all vacation worlds (Sulani, Selvadorada, Mt. Komorebi, Batuu).

Write a memoir before passing on the legacy.

Find love unexpectedly while traveling and settle down at the end of your journey.

What do you think? Would you tweak any generations? 😊

[dertaglichedan]

Farming Robot Kills 200,000 Weeds Per Hour With Lasers

Via TheMindUnleashed.com,

The agricultural world is witnessing a remarkable transformation, driven by groundbreaking technology. Among the most fascinating innovations is a farming robot equipped with lasers that can destroy hundreds of thousands of weeds in mere hours. This high-tech solution is not just a marvel of engineering but a timely response to persistent challenges in farming, from labor shortages to the environmental impact of chemical herbicides.

By combining artificial intelligence with precision laser technology, companies like Carbon Robotics are reshaping the way farmers tackle one of agriculture’s most labor-intensive tasks. These futuristic machines offer a glimpse into the potential of sustainable farming, where innovation meets efficiency, paving the way for a healthier and more productive future for agriculture.

The Weed Problem in Agriculture

Weeds have been a persistent challenge for farmers, creating a constant battle for resources in the field. These invasive plants not only compete with crops for vital sunlight, nutrients, and water but also provide a safe haven for pests that can wreak havoc on harvests. The presence of weeds significantly reduces crop yields and quality, making effective weed management essential for agricultural success. For centuries, farmers have relied on labor-intensive methods and chemical herbicides to combat this problem, but these approaches are not without their flaws.

...

The Rise of Farming Robots

In the face of persistent agricultural challenges, technology has emerged as a transformative force, with farming robots leading the way. Carbon Robotics’ Autonomous Weeder is a standout example of how innovation can revolutionize agriculture. This remarkable machine is designed to address the dual problems of labor shortages and environmental damage caused by conventional weed management practices. By combining artificial intelligence with advanced laser technology, the Autonomous Weeder delivers an unprecedented level of precision and efficiency.

The robot operates with minimal human intervention, scanning rows of crops using 12 high-resolution cameras that detect weeds in real time. Its onboard AI system processes this information, distinguishing weeds from crops with incredible accuracy. Once a weed is identified, carbon dioxide lasers target and destroy it instantly, leaving the surrounding soil undisturbed. This approach eliminates the need for chemical herbicides, reducing environmental harm while preserving soil health. It also alleviates the physical burden of manual weeding, offering farmers a more efficient alternative.

Beyond its functional benefits, the introduction of robots like the Autonomous Weeder marks a significant shift in the agricultural sector. These machines demonstrate the potential of integrating AI into farming practices, enabling farmers to achieve more with fewer resources. As the capabilities of such robots continue to expand, they are not only solving immediate issues but also setting the stage for a future defined by sustainable and technologically advanced agriculture.

[colonelrajyavardhanrathore]

AI-Based Future Mantra: Col Rajyavardhan Rathore’s Vision for Innovation & Growth 🤖🚀

In an era where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries, economies, and societies, Col Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore envisions a future-driven, innovation-led India that embraces AI to power growth, governance, and global competitiveness. His AI-based Future Mantra focuses on leveraging AI for digital transformation, job creation, industry modernization, and national security, ensuring India emerges as a leader in the AI revolution.

🌟 Key Pillars of Col Rathore’s AI Vision

1️⃣ AI-Driven Digital India: Transforming Governance & Public Services

✅ AI-powered e-Governance — Enhancing efficiency, transparency & citizen services. ✅ Smart City Development — AI-based urban planning, traffic management & waste control. ✅ Predictive Analytics for Policy Making — Data-driven decision-making for better governance.

“AI is the key to revolutionizing governance and making citizen services more efficient, accessible, and transparent.”

2️⃣ AI for Industry & Economic Growth: Powering Smart Enterprises

✅ AI in Manufacturing & MSMEs — Enhancing productivity & automation. ✅ AI-powered Startups & Innovation Hubs — Supporting entrepreneurs with next-gen AI solutions. ✅ Boosting IT, Fintech & Smart Commerce — Strengthening India��s global digital economy presence.

“AI is not about replacing jobs; it’s about creating new opportunities, industries, and careers.”

3️⃣ AI in Agriculture: Revolutionizing Rural Economy 🌾🤖

✅ Smart Farming with AI — Precision agriculture & automated irrigation. ✅ AI-based Crop Monitoring & Forecasting — Reducing farmer losses & improving productivity. ✅ Digital Marketplaces for Farmers — Connecting rural producers to global markets.

“AI can empower farmers with knowledge, tools, and predictive analytics to revolutionize Indian agriculture.”

4️⃣ AI in Education & Skill Development: Empowering Youth for Future Jobs 🎓💡

✅ AI-driven Personalized Learning — Smart classrooms & adaptive learning systems. ✅ AI Upskilling Programs — Training youth in AI, robotics & machine learning. ✅ AI-Powered Job Market Platforms — Connecting talent with industries using AI analytics.

“The future belongs to those who master AI. We must equip our youth with the skills to lead in the AI economy.”

5️⃣ AI in National Security & Defense: A Smarter, Safer India 🛡️🚀

✅ AI in Cybersecurity — Advanced threat detection & prevention. ✅ AI-powered Surveillance & Defense Tech — Strengthening India’s armed forces. ✅ AI in Disaster Management — Early warning systems & crisis response automation.

“AI is the force multiplier for India’s defense and security strategy in the 21st century.”

🚀 The Road Ahead: Col Rathore’s Action Plan for AI-Driven Growth

🔹 AI Policy & Infrastructure Development — Strengthening India’s AI ecosystem. 🔹 Public-Private Partnerships for AI Innovation — Encouraging global collaborations. 🔹 AI Talent & Research Investments — Making India a global hub for AI development. 🔹 Ethical AI & Responsible Innovation — Ensuring AI benefits all sections of society.

“AI is India’s gateway to a smarter, more efficient, and innovative future. Let’s lead the way!” 🚀

🌍 India’s AI Future: Leading the Global Innovation Wave

✅ AI-powered industries, smart cities, and a digital economy. ✅ Next-gen job creation & future-ready workforce. ✅ Stronger governance, national security, and agriculture. ✅ A global AI leader driving innovation & inclusivity.

🔥 “AI is not just a tool — it’s the future. And India will lead it!” 🤖 Jai Hind! Jai Innovation! 🇮🇳🚀