Dear IEEE Member

            You are cordially invited to the following ECSE & IEEE NZ North Section IES/IAS Society free research seminar:

           Speaker:  Prof. Stephan Hussmann, West Coast University of Applied Sciences (FHW), Heide, Germany       

           Date: Thursday, 23/05/2019   

           Time: 1-2pm

           Title:  The use of AI in organic farming     

           Venue: 902-402 (Newmarket Campus Seminar room), University of Auckland

           Contact: Prof. Patrick Hu (a.hu@auckland.ac.nz <mailto:a.hu@auckland.ac.nz> )

          Abstract:

The increasing computing power in recent years allows more and more complex algorithms for the implementation of adaptive artificial intelligence (AI). In this talk at first some AI examples are given before the use of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) for pattern recognition in the domain of organic farming are presented. CNN classifiers are used to identify carrots and weeds. Hence an automated non‐chemical weed control systems can be developed. Some ideas of such a system are given in the talk. At the end of the talk the problem that can arise from the use of AI are illustrated.           

           Speaker Biographies:    

          Stephan Hussmann received his M.E. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany, in 1995 and 2000, respectively. From 1996 to 2000, he was a Research Associate with the Center for Sensor Systems, University of Siegen, and a Development Engineer with Aicoss GmbH, Siegen. From 2001 to 2003, he was a Lecturer with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. Since the end of 2004, he has been a Professor with the Faculty of Engineering, West Coast University of Applied Sciences (FHW), Heide, Germany, in the area of microprocessor technology and electronic systems.

           He was a co‐founder of the Machine Vision Technology Institute (Ma.Vi.Tec). The Institute was made up of two separate fields of activity. The industrial sector concentrated on developing, manufacturing and selling inspection systems and components for optoelectronic  quality controll in the field of (automated‐) production and the scientific sector did research in the field of image analysis. In 2012 Ma.Vi.Tec is converted into a commercial company (see eyespec GmbH in Heide). In 2011 he founded the registered association “Initiative Bildverarbeitung e.V.” where he is still the acting chairman. The “Initiative Bildverarbeitung e.V.” organizes regular lectures where industry partners and University members come together to discuss potential joint working groups or joint projects. In 2013 he founded and leads the research group “Digitalization in organic farming”. The aim of the research group is to develop solutions for automated non‐chemical weed control systems.

           He has widely consulted with the industry and has more than 80 publications, which include books, book chapters, international patents, and refereed journal and conference proceedings papers. His research interests include machine vision applications, low‐cost multi‐sensor system design, realtime 2D/3D image processing, embedded systems design and automation in organic farming applications. Since 2011 he is a senior member of the IEEE.​