Title : Autonomous climate resilient farming: How AIIoT and renewable energy integration enable net zero aquaponics at scale
Abstract:
As global agriculture faces unprecedented climate challenges, our research presents an innovative AIoT framework currently undergoing patent review that transforms aquaponics operations. The system's proprietary edge computing architecture processes real-time data from 12+ sensor inputs - including water chemistry, fish biometrics via computer vision, and plant micronutrients - to maintain optimal growing conditions with 92% operational accuracy. Early field implementations across three climatic zones have demonstrated compelling results: a 40% reduction in fish mortality rates and 30% yield improvements in leafy greens compared to conventional aquaponics setups. Central to this advancement is the AquaECO decision-support platform, an AI assistant that provides growers with: (1) predictive alerts for system imbalances 12-48 hours before critical thresholds are breached, (2) prescriptive maintenance recommendations tailored to local conditions, and (3) continuous carbon footprint monitoring. Our presentation will feature an interactive demonstration of this interface, showcasing its ability to reduce energy waste by identifying and correcting suboptimal pump schedules in real-time. The integrated renewable energy module, another key innovation currently in the patenting process, combines adaptive solar/wind harvesting with intelligent battery cycling to achieve energy autonomy. Pilot installations have consistently delivered 40% energy cost savings while maintaining uninterrupted operation during grid outages. Designed for accessibility, the system's multilingual voice/SMS interface has reduced skilled labor requirements by 70% in test deployments, making advanced aquaponics management accessible to non-technical operators. This work aligns with multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals by addressing both food security (SDG 2) and climate action (SDG 13). We will present validated performance data from operational pilots in Nigeria and the UK, along with a practical adoption framework for different farm scales. The session will conclude with an open discussion on scaling pathways for this technology, including our ongoing collaborations with agricultural extension networks to bridge the digital divide in smallholder farming communities.
