Integrating Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Precision Agriculture

Withers 331 + Zoom | Download seminar flyer

Lirong Xiang, PhD

Assistant Professor of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at NC State University | Profile | XR Lab Dr. Xiang is the Principal Investigator of the Automation and Robotics Lab in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at North Carolina State University and affiliated with N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. She received her Ph.D. degree in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering from Iowa State University and her B.S. degree in Biosystems Engineering from Zhejiang University. Dr. Xiang works on agricultural robotics, 2D & 3D computer vision, and machine learning. During her Ph.D. program, she has developed robotic and automated systems for both indoor and in-field plant phenotyping applications.

Abstract

This presentation highlights the use of AI and robotics in precision agriculture, focusing on automated tomato disease phenotyping and downy mildew detection in cucurbits. By leveraging AI-driven image analysis and robotic systems, the approach enables early, accurate disease detection and targeted interventions, improving crop yield and sustainability. Related links:

• Zhang, Z., He, W., Wu, F., Quesada, L., & Xiang, L. (2024). Development of a bionic hexapod robot with adaptive gait and clearance for enhanced agricultural field scouting. Frontiers in Robotics and AI (2024)

---

The Genetic Engineering and Society (GES) Colloquium is a seminar series that brings in speakers to present and stimulate discussion on a variety of topics related to existing and proposed biotechnologies and their place within broader societal changes.

GES Colloquium is jointly taught by Drs. Katie Barnhill and Nourou Barry, who you may contact with any class-specific questions. Colloquium meets weekly on Tuesdays from 12-1 pm via Zoom, with national/international guests joining us remotely, and local in-person guests every other week in Withers 331.

Genetic Engineering and Society Center

Colloquium Home | Zoom Registration | Watch Colloquium Videos | LinkedIn | Newsletter

GES Center at NC State University—Integrating scientific knowledge & diverse public values in shaping the futures of biotechnology.

Find out more at https://ges-center-lectures-ncsu.pinecast.co