Skippy Scout is the name of a crop monitoring app that offers the opportunity to see and evaluate crops easily using just a phone and a drone.
Developed by DroneAG, the phone-based app uses GPS and mapping software to fly a drone to points to selected areas in a field. The images taken by the drone are interpreted by artificial intelligence (AI) in the app to provide an accurate green area index and count emerging plants. The AI can also detect weeds and is claimed to be accurate enough to identify pests on a single leaf.
DroneAG founder and Northumberland farmer Jack Wrangham was able to crowdfund the investment needed to develop the Skippy Scout, the launch of which is planned for March 2020.
A partnership with drone specialists Heliguy will offer farmers the opportunity to lease a package of drone and software, allowing those interested to experiment and learn how drones can benefit their farm.
