AI is bringing Industry 4.0 to almost every industry. As its seemingly endless scope continues to grow, questions are raised on the climate implications of so many technological developments.

But not all new tech is detrimental to the planet. Agricultural software startup-up, Hortiya, is developing new agriculture technology that promises to produce higher yields, reduce reliance on herbicides and improve operational efficiency.

Hortiya’s AI model promises to revolutionise the agricultural sector. Combining IoT and machine learning algorithms, they have created plant-led automation to modernise and optimise commercial plant production.

Their plant-mounted sensors use predictive analytics to automate water and lighting adjustments. They monitor the plant’s health status and communicate with the current operational technology to maintain an optimal environment for them.

But, experts are asking whether an increased reliance on technology – which inevitably will be easier to adopt for large-scale commercial farmers – threatens smaller farms and fair trade agreements.

Ethical AI rollout is a balancing act, and the good-for-the-planet potential of Hortiya’s technology promises to do a lot of good. So, as long as the project leaders address issues of inequality, it looks to be a positive addition to the AI-griculture landscape.