The Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI) recently featured CRG Defense and its advancements in bioacoustic sensing for agriculture in an article titled “Listening to Plants: How CRG’s Bioacoustics Reveal Crop Stress Before It Shows.”
The article highlights the work of CRG Defense engineer Eric Rombokas and the company’s Acoustilytix™ Intelligent Bioacoustics System, which applies machine learning and ultrasonic sensing to detect signs of crop stress before they are visible to the human eye. By capturing and interpreting high-frequency “pops” produced when plants experience water stress, the system provides growers with early, non-contact indicators of plant health. This research is in collaboration with Central State University, which holds expertise in precision agriculture.
Originally developed for laboratory research applications under SBIR and STTR contracts, Acoustilytix was adapted and further developed by CRG Defense for NASA to provide more specific and timely information about the nature of the stressors, allow early intervention, and mitigate the potential loss of mission critical crops.
Translated to urban agriculture, this ag-tech offers an early-warning capability that enables more efficient irrigation management, reduced resource waste, and improved crop yields.
The full OAI article explores how CRG Defense’s work in bioacoustics is paving the way for more sustainable and resilient food systems through the integration of advanced sensing and artificial intelligence.
Read the complete feature on OAI’s website: “Listening to Plants: How CRG’s Bioacoustics Reveal Crop Stress Before It Shows.”
Based in Cleveland, OH, OAI plays a pivotal role in advancing aerospace through collaboration, education, and workforce development. In 2023, OAI and Parallax Advanced Research, headquartered in Beavercreek, OH, formed an affiliation to drive innovation and technological advancement across Ohio and the nation.