[K-SCIENCE] Evolving Smart Farm Systems

The "smart farm" has now been regarded as a must-have system for agricultural regions suffering from acute labor shortages.

In order to meet this trend, a South Korean research team has developed new "smart farm" technologies catching the eye of farmers.

Kim Sang-Jung, a 52-year-old man, has been a chrysanthemum farmer for 17 years and always starts his morning with checking his mobile phone.

Because he is now able to check the quality and nutritional status of chrysanthemums at his farm via the screen of the handset.

In addition, he also can control the temperature and humidity inside the greenhouse by opening its thermal screens even before his arrival there.

All this work can be done only with his voice.


"Open Curtain No. 3!"
"Yes, I will open Curtain No. 3."


In May, Kim was introduced with the "smart farm" system for the first time, through which he can make orders verbally, not by handling complicated devices.

Kim now can check what is happening to his farms and solve problems immediately with his voice, his schedule is a little more flexible these days.


[Kim Sang-Jung, chrysanthemum farmer]
"The greenhouse can be opened and closed through (verbal) orders to provide the best condition for the chrysanthemums to grow well, so I can expect higher quality products."


There has been a strong call from aged farmers, who are not good at handling complicated devices or machines, for a voice command system to further facilitate the use of the "smart farm" system.


Recently, another new "smart farm" system equipped with movable solar cell devices has been introduced.


"Smart farm" technologies are seen evolving not only to help farmers overcome labor shortages but also provide solutions for them to improve their work efficiency.