Project summary AI-NUT and main technological topics:

The AI-NUT project aims to develop an advanced artificial intelligence (AI)-based decision support system to optimize the cultivation and production chain of hazelnuts. The goal is to improve agronomic management, increase production quality, and ensure supply chain traceability, meeting sustainability and technological innovation needs. The system uses images acquired through a mobile app and inference processes based on a cloud platform, with the following main features:

1. Varietal recognition of hazelnut leaves and fruits.
2. Detection of nutritional deficiencies through leaf analysis.
3. Identification of phytopathologies through the analysis of leaves, shell fruits, and seeds.

Main technological topics:

• Cloud Computing: data processing and inference algorithms in a cloud environment.
• Mobile Technologies: image acquisition and pre-processing through a mobile app for Android and iOS.
• Big Data: management and analysis of large volumes of images and agronomic data.
• Advanced Machine Learning and Deep Learning: use of convolutional neural networks for image recognition and analysis.

Technology Readiness Level (TRL):
The project starts from a prototype validated in 2022 with TRL 5 and aims to reach TRL 8, ready for commercialization.

Main objectives:

1. Increase the accuracy of the varietal recognition system, bringing it beyond the current 80%.
2. Integrate functionalities for detecting nutritional deficiencies and phytopathologies with AI-based technologies.
3. Create an integrated mobile/cloud system, validated in an operational environment and ready for the market.

Commercialization:

• B2C channel: direct sale of the mobile app and access to the cloud platform for nurserymen, producers, and agricultural consultants.
• B2B channel: system integration for agri-food industries and agricultural cooperatives.

Expected impact: The project aims to support agricultural companies in managing hazelnut cultivation, promoting improved quality and productivity, and fostering a more sustainable and technologically advanced hazelnut supply chain.