On 27 June 2019 the results of the project “Development of an innovative VTOL aerial system for monitoring agricultural land, forests and landscape” were presented at the Szymanów airfield near Wrocław. The project, carried out from 01.09.2017 to 30.06.2019, was co-financed from European Funds through the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR).
The total value of the project was PLN 1,938,473.66 including co-financing of PLN 1,494,434.22. The project was carried out by BZB UAS from Wrocław, with part of the research conducted by the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences and the Wrocław University of Science and Technology.
Project aim
The main aim of the project was to develop an innovative VTOL aerial system (vertical take-off and landing) for monitoring agricultural land, forests and landscape, allowing flight missions of at least 3 hours. The research aim was to gain comprehensive knowledge on assessing the condition of vegetation using an aircraft equipped with a multispectral camera.
The work ran on two tracks. The whole system was designed, including the aircraft, the electronics inside it and the ground station. In the following months a series of tests of the solutions was carried out.
The aircraft's skin is made of composite. The structure underwent numerical calculations and strength tests, and with the help of the Wrocław University of Science and Technology the electromagnetic compatibility of the system was also tested.
At the same time, agricultural and environmental research was carried out with the University of Environmental and Life Sciences, using aircraft previously built by the company and equipped with a multispectral camera. The development of trees, vegetables and cereals was studied in the Lower Silesian and Opole voivodeships. The correlation between sensor readings and traditional data collection methods was checked. As a result, ekoSKY makes it possible to determine the development stage of plants and to use variable-rate fertilisation in agriculture – the maps created by the system are geo-referenced, and when uploaded as a map to a tractor they show places with fertiliser deficiencies and allow the spreader to apply the right doses of the necessary micro- and macronutrients.
The company also carried out research in cooperation with the Regional Directorate of State Forests in Zielona Góra to determine the health of trees.
The project met the expectations of its initiators and achieved its objectives.
The system will be commercialised and will allow significant savings in crop production as well as contributing to environmental protection.