AGRIELL agri-tech and robotics devices on the moor

Collaborate with us

We are keen to collaborate with farmers, landowners and industry partners to further develop our research-driven approach to agri-tech and controlled environment agriculture. For more information about our work, or to enquire about partnerships, please contact:
Professor Richard Preziosi , Director, CRISPS, and Head of School, Biological and Marine Sciences: richard.preziosi@plymouth.ac.uk
Dr Jennifer Rowntree , Deputy Director, CRISPS, and Associate Professor of Ecological Genetics: jennifer.rowntree@plymouth.ac.uk

Developing our agri-tech facilities

High-precision aquaculture

A suite of refurbished on-campus facilities will allow both marine and freshwater procedures to be carried out, including testing of novel diets and disease challenges. Our large aquaria enables tracking of individuals and groups, both spatially and temporally, for fresh and saltwater fish, invertebrates and algae. Upgrades to our Brixham ecotoxicology laboratories enable testing of novel substances, including microplastics and nanoparticles. Field systems will be updated to include a new towed camera array to track fish and invertebrates and a planned sensor array deployed on the university’s SmartSound network.

The Landscape-Level Laboratory

Our mobile array of LoRaWAN gateways, combined with a network of sensors (both stationary and animal-mounted), enable detailed measurements of animals in open-field systems. LiDAR sensors mounted on ATVs and drones allow fine-scale mapping of animals in complex landscapes, to identify hotspots for ecological impact, human-wildlife conflict, or animal-specific risks to health and welfare. Static sensors supply high resolution environmental data, while animal mounted sensors can provide real time location, temperature and gait information.

Protected and controlled environments

Three new controlled environment research rooms will expand our existing laboratory space, featuring LED lighting systems that allow complete control of light spectrum and intensity, as well as real-time sensing and feedback control of growth substrate nutrient levels and plant physiology. Renovated facilities for the research and storage of licensed controlled substances – for work involving culture of fungi producing psychoactive substances – and upgraded greenhouse facilities at our Skardon Gardens site allow us to further develop our expertise with precision horticulture. 

Molecular genetics and sensors

These facilities will update current infrastructure and provide advanced metabarcoding and metagenomics capability – essential for developing soil and aquatic health – as well as biodiversity sensors and advancements in LAMP technology, for in-field, lab-on-a-chip sensor development for early disease detection. This area will also contain the capability for extracting volatile organic compounds that can subsequently be used to develop graphene-based electrodes for real-time detection.
 

Explore our research in action

  • AGRIELL robots on the moor

    Deploying agri-tech robots on site

  • Using an AgroCares soil scanner

    Using an AgroCares soil scanner

  • Precision horticulture in controlled environments

    Precision horticulture in controlled environments

  • Monitoring emissions with a gas analyser

    Monitoring emissions with a gas analyser

  • Working with mussel farmers

    Working with mussel farmers

  • Controlling a VR imaging drone

    Controlling a VR imaging drone

  • Part of the mobile living laboratory kit

    Part of the mobile living laboratory kit

  • Working with basil in the Plant Factory

    Working with basil in the Plant Factory

  • Inspecting animal-mounted biologger collars

    Inspecting animal-mounted biologger collars

  • Robot 'dog' navigates difficult terrain

    Robot 'dog' navigates difficult terrain

  • Analysing pharmaceutical compounds from plants

    Analysing pharmaceutical compounds from plants

  • Deploying thermography equipment on location

    Deploying thermography equipment on location

 
 
 
 
 

Featured agri-tech equipment

Our research teams have access to a wide range of cutting-edge agri-tech devices and sensors, which allow us to co-create practical solutions to food production and soil health challenges directly in the field with farmers and landowners.
 
 

Centre of Research excellence in Intelligent and Sustainable Productive Systems (CRISPS)

CRISPS brings together a vibrant community of transdisciplinary researchers, working towards addressing the challenge of sustainably feeding a global population of 9 billion. Founded upon research excellence in aquaculture, agricultural technology and soil health, and underpinned by investment in cutting-edge facilities, the Centre will create the critical mass required to ensure impactful research and real-world deployment in the UK and beyond.
 
Centre of Research Excellence in Intelligent and Sustainable Productive Systems (CRISPS) lead image showing a hand holding soil and a plant.