{"id":183127,"date":"2021-02-19T19:55:51","date_gmt":"2021-02-19T16:55:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/ai-can-now-farm-crickets-and-hopefully-solve-world-hunger-in-the-process\/"},"modified":"2021-02-19T19:55:51","modified_gmt":"2021-02-19T16:55:51","slug":"ai-can-now-farm-crickets-and-hopefully-solve-world-hunger-in-the-process","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/ai-can-now-farm-crickets-and-hopefully-solve-world-hunger-in-the-process\/","title":{"rendered":"#AI can now farm crickets (and hopefully solve world hunger in the process)"},"content":{"rendered":"

“#AI can now farm crickets (and hopefully solve world hunger in the process)<\/strong>”<\/p>\n

\n Earth\u2019s expanding population and unequal distribution of natural resources\u00a0are pushing the planet towards a food\u00a0insecurity crisis.<\/p>\n

One solution to the problem is adding an unusual ingredient to our diets: crickets.<\/p>\n

The insects have a\u00a0high protein content\u00a0and low environmental footprint that could provide a sustainable alternative to meat and fish.<\/span><\/p>\n

They\u00a0might not have the most app<\/a>etizing appearance, but looks can be deceiving: crickets are renowned for their subtle nutty flavor, crunchy texture, and exquisite astringency.<\/p>\n

At least, that\u2019s what I\u2019ve been told. My religious beliefs sadly forbid me from indulging in the delicacy \u2014 but that doesn\u2019t mean you have\u00a0to miss out. And thanks to AI, the chirpy critters could be arriving on your plate sooner than you think.<\/p>\n

A team led by the Aspire Food Group plans to bring the creatures from farm to fork by building the world\u2019s first fully automated insect manufacturing site.<\/p>\n

The crickets will then be turned into food products, including protein powder and bars.<\/span><\/p>\n

[Read: How do you build a pet-friendly gadget? We asked experts and animal owners]<\/em><\/p>\n

The project is the first time that industrial automation, IoT, robotics, and AI will be deployed in climate-controlled, indoor vertical agriculture with living organisms.<\/p>\n

\"\"
<\/a>Crickets are cosmopolitan insects that can be found all over the world.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Inside the facility,\u00a0cricket production bins equipped with custom sensors will provide an overall picture of the plant\u2019s health at any time.<\/p>\n

Deep learning developed by Canadian startup DarwinAI<\/a> will then analyze the\u00a0data to unearth insights that can improve efficiencies.<\/p>\n

This will create a feedback loop that allows\u00a0plant conditions to be changed in real-time\u00a0as conditions change.<\/p>\n

DarwinAI CEO Sheldon Fernandez told TNW\u00a0that the AI will analyze a range of data,\u00a0including\u00a0videos of the\u00a0crickets to detect biological changes:<\/p>\n

One example is fluctuating the environment based on input signals to maximize cricket yield. Operators can leverage the insights from our system to adjust critical variables, like humidity control.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The project has received\u00a0funding\u00a0from Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen<\/a>), an industry-led organization that\u2019s supported by the Canadian government.<\/p>\n

NGen Canada CEO Jayson Myers told TNW that AI will play a critical role at the facility:<\/span><\/p>\n

It is certainly an integral part of many aspects of the Aspire project, from environmental controls, process optimization, equipment efficiency, to how materials can be re-used to enhance the circular economy and environmental aspects of the project.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The plant will begin operations in the first quarter of 2022. It ultimately aims to produce nearly 20,000 metric tonnes of products annually.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The facility is located in London, Ontario, but\u00a0the modular design and global distribution of crickets mean the tech can potentially be deployed\u00a0anywhere. I<\/span>t might not be\u00a0long before you find yourself chowing down on the crunchy creatures. Grubs up!<\/p>\n

\n Published February 19, 2021 \u2014 16:55 UTC<\/p><\/div>\n