The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) utilizes four Spatially and Mechanically Accurate Robotic Table (SMART) imaging platforms, or SMART Tables, which are automated AgTech innovations, for various experiments and research.
IALR recently installed a SMART Table at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham to give students a hands-on, memorable introduction to plant and computer science concepts. So far, students in multiple environmental science classes have conducted a simple, multi-week plant growth cycle and will examine the experiment data in the future.
“The opportunity for students to work with both plant sciences and computer science, automation and robotics at Hargrave improves their overall academic experience. By combining these fields, students gain a multidisciplinary understanding and develop practical skills that can be applied in various industries.” – Betsy Kent, STEM Chair, Hargrave Military Academy
Implementing a SMART Table at Hargrave is part of a long-term goal to utilize these unique plant imaging tables as an educational tool across Southern Virginia and beyond.
“We are always trying to inspire students and introduce them to robotics, computer science and agricultural production career opportunities. Having these types of interactions with high schools provides preliminary data and proof of concept so that we can expand into more schools.” – Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President of Applied Research, IALR
SMART Tables are automated plant imaging platforms that allow researchers to automatically take thousands of photographs over a plant’s life cycle, collecting data from beginning to end.
The SMART tables consist of an aluminum frame with a tray of individual plants. Every 15 minutes, a webcam mounted to a mechanical arm, called a gantry, captures a picture of each plant. Computer analysis of pixel count and other factors allows researchers to automatically measure plant size, leaf shape, plant movement, discoloration and more. These functions are all controlled using Python code, which tells the gantry and camera when to move across the table and take photos. IALR interns and staff are continually working to improve the functionality of the SMART Tables, adding new, complex computer codes for enhanced automation and designing new systems.
Javon Brooks and Archie Hooper, both juniors at Hargrave Military Academy, said that the weeks-long experiment was memorable because they got to take care of the plants, see how the camera system worked and then eat the lettuce.
“Having a SMART Table here definitely left some excitement in the class.” – Javon Brooks, Junior, Hargrave Military Academy
“The process was really fast, and the lettuce started growing so quickly.” – Archie Hooper, Junior, Hargrave Military Academy
In these first experiments, the focus has been primarily on the environmental science and plant growth components. As Hargrave teachers learn the basics of the table’s computer interface and automated processes, students will be able to focus more on the computer science aspects of the table.
“We are just excited to be able to join forces with IALR to help all students learn about the different types of agriculture and to work on this project. I hope for additional projects and experiments that we can do together in the future.” – Betsy Kent, STEM Chair, Hargrave
In the future, this technology could integrate into different modules for the Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®) program, a talent development model run in partnership with K12, higher education, industry and economic development.
