Increasing regulatory requirements, rising environmental standards and the demand for more efficient processes are presenting new challenges for manufacturers and operators of agricultural machinery. In particular, in special crops such as fruit, wine or hop cultivation, precise, transparent and resource-efficient application of plant protection products is essential.
In this project, Konzept Informationssysteme GmbH supported the development of a powerful software solution for the overarching planning, control and seamless documentation of plant protection product application rates, providing a technological foundation for modern, networked agricultural systems.
Initial Situation and Project Motivation Efficient and Traceable Plant Protection Application
The objective of the project was to consistently reduce the use of plant protection products to the minimum required while ensuring complete, authority-compliant documentation. The solution was designed as add-on equipment for integration into existing machines and had to support a wide variety of hardware configurations.
Key technical challenges included the automatic detection of gaps in tree rows, dynamic control of application rates depending on driving speed, nozzle configuration and tree volume, as well as reliable operation under limited field connectivity. Existing operating concepts were considered overly complex and maintenance-intensive and were therefore replaced by a future-proof, update-friendly architecture.
Project Scope, Solution Approach and Highlights Embedded Software for Sensor-Based Control of Plant Protection Application
The core of the project involved developing modular embedded software capable of capturing, filtering and processing sensor signals in real time, as well as precisely controlling actuators such as valves. Various sensors, ranging from ultrasonic and lidar systems to flow and pressure sensors and GPS and inertial measurement units, were integrated and combined into a consistent overall system.
A notable feature is the flexible control logic, which adjusts the application rate continuously according to the driving speed, plant structure and device configuration. This is complemented by intelligent functions such as headland detection (automatic detection and control of the edge strip of a field) and safe state transitions in the event of anomalies. Connecting a mobile device enables intuitive visualisation, transmission of work orders and temporary data storage in the event of a lack of network coverage.
Technology & expertise Sensor systems as a core competence
The implementation was carried out on microcontroller platforms with limited resources and real-time operating systems. The programming is based on the C language and supported by a newly developed toolchain for embedded systems. Working with limited RAM and flash memory, low bandwidths, and parallel real-time requirements demanded specialist expertise.
To ensure quality, Konzept Informationssysteme relied on automated unit and integration tests, as well as simulation-based tests using synthetic sensor data and continuous build and test processes. This project therefore highlights the company’s extensive expertise in developing robust embedded systems, integrating complex sensor systems and validating safety-related functions in industrial environments.
Process, collaboration and impact Agile development process and scalable system architecture in agricultural engineering
Development took place in close cooperation with the customer and their development team. Thanks to short decision-making processes, direct coordination and a pragmatic, iterative development approach, new functions could be implemented quickly while ensuring system stability.
The result is an integrated, scalable, modular system consisting of control components, sensors and actuators, which dealers can install and commission. Extensive testing, comprehensive service manuals and a multi-level support concept ensure reliable operation in the field. The developed code base also serves as the foundation for additional variants and functional features.
outsight and perspective Future prospects of networked embedded sensor systems in agricultural technology
The expertise developed during the project provides a solid foundation for future applications in agricultural technology and beyond. Combining embedded systems, intelligent sensor fusion and networked data processing creates potential for further automation and optimisation solutions, ranging from precision application technology to data-driven decision support systems.
For manufacturers and operators, this means greater efficiency, reduced operating costs, improved traceability, and a technologically advanced, future-proof platform. Konzept Informationssysteme is therefore an experienced development partner for sophisticated embedded and sensor systems in technically complex, regulated markets.