CropTraits

Technology
Data Management
TraitSeeker
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Method development by precision phenotyping coupled with automated data acquisition and integrated data management

A transformative discovery platform for ground based field phenotyping, TraitSeeker is currently being adopted by the world’s leading agricultural research institutions.

The TraitSeeker payload delivers a large and comprehensive set of high-resolution sensors that provides high quality/ high dimensionality data regardless of ambient conditions which is the optimal starting point for developing new methods for plant sciences and breeding.

The core of TraitSeeker is an industrial data acquisition sensor fusion framework designed to automate a-synchronous acquisition of imaging data. It combines with ultra-high precision timing technology to co-register acquired data with metadata for pixel level fusion- unique in this application and resulting in ultra-rich 3D datasets.

Technology

TraitSeeker is a fully integrated turn-key ground based field phenotyping platform complementary with aerial platforms. Of rugged agricultural grade construction and industrial components, TraitSeeker is an AWD platform designed for durability in adverse testing conditions and rapid, easy deployment across multiple trial sites by the operator. Designed for technological enhancements over ensuing years, the TraitSeeker approach delivers efficiency and affordability for multi-trial field phenotyping research and breeding programs.

Unique in its ability to supply its own full bandwidth illumination supporting VNIR and SWIR hyperspectral imaging in changing ambient conditions, TraitSeeker also provides LiDAR, RGB, INS and environmental sensors to provide comprehensive detailed information on physiological processes, biochemical traits responses and plant breeding beyond the capabilities of aerial platforms.

Autonomous drive is coupled with automated plot segmentation. Only plot data is stored from selected sensors and autonomously stored for automated output of a variety of plot analytics using validated algorithms. Onboard sensor calibration is provided and a tiered suite of tools provide status updates of the system performance.

Accelerating development
discover traits critical for
research or breeding

If image-based phenotyping is critical TraitSeeker offers automated enhanced data acquisition and processing

Row Labels	Average Total Area (m2)	Average Crop Height (m)	NDVI	Average Ground Cover (%)	Averge Total Dig. Biomass (m3)
Iceberg	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%
1	99.98%	97.72%	100.77%	103.83%	101.62%
2	100.98%	99.48%	100.66%	103.99%	104.42%
3	99.98%	97.72%	100.77%	103.83%	101.62%
4	100.98%	99.48%	100.66%	103.99%	104.42%
5	99.98%	97.72%	100.77%	103.83%	101.62%
6	100.98%	99.48%	100.66%	103.99%	104.42%
7	99.98%	97.72%	100.77%	103.83%	101.62%
8	100.98%	99.48%	100.66%	103.99%	104.42%
9	99.98%	97.72%	100.77%	103.83%	101.62%
10	100.98%	99.48%	100.66%	103.99%	104.42%
11	99.98%	97.72%	100.77%	103.83%	101.62%
12	100.98%	99.48%	100.66%	103.99%	104.42%
13	99.98%	97.72%	100.77%	103.83%	101.62%
14	100.98%	99.48%	100.66%	103.99%	104.42%
15	99.98%	97.72%	100.77%	103.83%	101.62%
16	100.98%	99.48%	100.66%	103.99%	104.42%
17	99.98%	97.72%	100.77%	103.83%	101.62%
18	100.98%	99.48%	100.66%	103.99%	104.42%
19	99.98%	97.72%	100.77%	103.83%	101.62%
20	100.98%	99.48%	100.66%	103.99%	104.42%

Excellent repeatability and accuracy

Raw or processed data available
Use your own processing algorithms or 3rd party
Advanced data fusion with high resolution
VNIR-SWIR hyperspectral on a mobile platform
6TB on-board storage
Automated plot segmentation and plot data
Only platform with full bandwidth illumination
A full suite of hyperspectral sensors+ RGB + LiDAR + options
Optimised imaging conditions independent of ambient light
Data quality/QC checks within workflow
Industry-leading repeatability and accuracy
Automated trait outputs
Sensor calibration and referencing
Ultra-high precision timing technology, automated and asynchronous for different sensors to co-register acquired data with metadata for pixel level fusion and ultra-rich data sets

Data management

Data handling is often considered a major obstacle in high throughput field phenotyping. Furthermore, traditional measurements are subjective, suffer from human error and repeatability affecting trait heritability. Overcoming these hurdles with standardized datasets is a critical feature to reducing labor intensity and cost reduction in research and breeding programs.

TraitSeeker provides raw plot-only data or has its own pipeline to automatically transform data. Data processing is automated, user-friendly, intuitive and rapid; converting sensor information into annotated, georeferenced plot specific data including quantitative trait metrics and plot trait images. Centralized storage means multi-plot/ multi-site analyses can be performed concomitantly.

Individual plants can also be identified at emergence, tracked and temporally assessed.

TraitSeeker produces metadata enriched datasets that are Deep Learning and Crop Growth Model compatible, according to FAIR principles, MIAPPE compliant and suited to ontological approaches such as PHIS.

All data is saved directly into annotated plot files and includes csv files of plot specific data + individual plant data, fused/non-fused data, image parameters, high-res stitched plot RGB, high-res 3D files, metadata, calibration and event logs. Data can be transferred to centralized processing via SSDs networked to the onboard industrial PC.

Flexible

Plot width and height adjustable
Data acquisition independent of ambient conditions
Selectable sensors
Easily and rapidly deployed
Individual control of image acquisition settings

Affordable

Industry scale evaluation of plots and trial sites by single operator
Diminished phenotypic variance
Reallocate labor resources
Manage spatial variability and maximize genetic signal
Method development without technology development

Reliable

Long life industrial and agricultural components
Validated phenotyping algorithms
Intuitive automated data acquisition and processing
On board remote support
Single operator- no super users required

Making acquisition of large
phenotypic data sets affordable

Technology

Data management

TraitSeeker

Flexible

Affordable

Reliable

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