Project Introducing Polifemo: A Breakthrough in Real-Time Agricultural Monitoring from the Restoration Project

Introducing Polifemo: A Breakthrough in Real-Time Agricultural Monitoring from the Restoration Project

The Restoration project, spearheaded by a dedicated research team from the University of Florence, has made a significant leap forward in the development of real-time agricultural monitoring technologies with the creation of the Polifemo prototype.

Polifemo is designed to be an environmental sensor network that monitors spaces and their interactions, providing critical data that can assist in the transition to Agriculture 4.0. With capabilities such as big data analysis and IoT (Internet of Things) system integration, Polifemo represents a substantial advancement in the tools available for data acquisition and decision support in agriculture.

A key feature of Polifemo is its ability to monitor the passage of specific objects within a farming environment and notify a user via a photographic system connected to the internet. Objects can be recognized and their distance measured within a few meters using Bluetooth connections. The sensor is equipped to monitor its environment using radar technology to assess the size and sound of passing objects, thereby classifying them and sending a signal to an actuator.

The actuator, upon receiving signals from the sensors, captures a photograph. Once connected to the internet, it sends the data to a server where it is cataloged. This process ensures that real-time tracking of farming activities, such as an agricultural treatment performed by a farmer, is documented and can be stored in a dedicated cloud environment for further analysis.

Polifemo, therefore, is not just a sensor; it’s a comprehensive implementation of technologies and methodologies proposed in the broader scope of the Restoration initiative. The sensors used can range from detecting light, temperature, metals, colors, dust, gases, and more, while the actuators could be cameras, relays, or general IoT sensors.

This innovative approach allows for the integration of modern IoT and blockchain technologies, enhancing the resilience of crop production against extreme climatic events by offering a detailed, data-driven view of the agricultural processes. With Polifemo, the Restoration project is paving the way for smarter, more resilient agriculture that can stay competitive in the face of adversities.

For more information on the Polifemo prototype and the Restoration project, please visit www.restoration.unifi.it.