UNIVERSITY OF ZIMBABWE

ASSIGNMENT 1

MTR403

MMELI M MOYO

SHANE MOYO

CHIVONIVONI

MUSINDO D
Artificial intelligence (AI) has been increasingly adopted in various modern-day industries,
transforming their operations and growth. The applications of AI in industries are diverse
and widespread, ranging from predicting trends and analysing performance to assisting with
inventory management and more.

Figure 1 working principle of AI

AI uses algorithms and techniques such as machine learning and deep learning to learn,
evolve, and get progressively better at assigned tasks. AI is categorized into three types
based on the human characteristics it can replicate, its real-world applications, and the
theory of mind prerequisites

i. Artificial narrow intelligence (ANI): AI with a narrow range of abilities

ii. Artificial general intelligence (AGI): AI on par with human capabilities

iii. Artificial super intelligence (ASI): AI that surpasses human intelligence

Positive Impact of AI on Industrial Operations

i. Enhanced Productivity and Efficiency: AI has been instrumental in optimizing

processes, improving efficiency, and enhancing safety across major industries. For
instance, AI-powered machines can perform tasks with greater accuracy and speed,
reducing the need for human intervention and minimizing the risk of errors.
ii. Improved Product Quality and Reduced Production Costs: AI can help improve product
quality by detecting defects and anomalies in real-time, reducing waste and improving
overall efficiency. Additionally, AI can help reduce production costs by optimizing
resource allocation, streamlining processes, and minimizing energy consumption.
iii. Real-time Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance: AI-powered sensors and
monitoring systems can provide real-time insights into equipment performance,
 enabling predictive maintenance and reducing downtime. This can help industries
minimize losses, improve productivity, and enhance overall efficiency.
iv. Better Monitoring and Safety Profiling for Common-Use Products: AI can help improve
safety profiling for common-use products by analysing data from various sources,
identifying potential risks, and providing recommendations for improvement.
v. Long-term Solutions for Root Cause Identification and Error Detection: AI can help
identify the root cause of errors and defects, enabling industries to develop long-term
solutions and improve overall quality.

One of the common industrial interaction is using AI in tobacco curing where its ability to
optimize the curing process in real-time is exploited.

Tobacco curing is the process of drying and aging tobacco leaves to prepare them for human
consumption. The curing process involves a series of physical and chemical changes that
help to preserve the tobacco and enhance its flavour and aroma. By monitoring
temperature, humidity, and air flow levels in real-time, AI can adjust the curing conditions to
optimize the process and ensure that the tobacco is cured to the desired level. This can help
to reduce the risk of over- or under-curing, which can result in poor-quality tobacco.

AI can also help to improve the consistency of the tobacco curing process. By using machine
learning algorithms to analyse data from previous curing cycles, AI can identify patterns and
trends that can be used to optimize the curing process for specific types of tobacco. This can
help to ensure that the final product is consistent in terms of flavour, aroma, and quality.
Another benefit of using AI in tobacco curing is its ability to reduce the amount of manual
labour required. Traditionally, tobacco curing has been a labour-intensive process that
requires manual monitoring and adjustment of the curing conditions. By automating this
process, AI can help to reduce the amount of time and effort required to produce high-
quality tobacco.

Precision agriculture, the practice of using technology to optimize plant growth and
resource management, is experiencing a significant transformation driven by robotics and
artificial intelligence (AI). This section explores the current landscape of robotic applications
in various agricultural tasks and how AI services like Plantix are contributing to improved
farm management.

Planting with Precision: Seedling Transplanters and Smart Seeders

Labour-intensive tasks like seedling transplanting and seed placement are being automated
using robotic solutions. AI-powered seedling transplanters, equipped with vision systems
and algorithms, analyse seedling characteristics like size and root structure for precise
handling. This minimizes transplant shock and optimizes growth (Pearson, 2017). Similarly,
smart direct seeders utilize AI and computer vision to analyse soil conditions and identify
optimal planting locations for each seed, ensuring better germination rates (Blue River
Technology. , n.d.).
 Figure 2 Automatic rice seed planter

Weed Warriors: AI-powered Weed Identification and Removal Robots

Weed management is a constant challenge for farmers. Robotic solutions offer targeted and
efficient weed control methods, minimizing herbicide use and promoting a more sustainable
agricultural ecosystem. AI-powered weed identification and removal robots utilize cameras
and AI algorithms to identify weeds with high accuracy. The AI then determines the most
effective removal method, minimizing herbicide use and protecting beneficial insects.

Figure3: AI powered weeding robot

IoT-connected Field Monitoring Robots

These robots autonomously navigate fields equipped with various IoT sensors. These
sensors collect real-time data on plant health, soil moisture, temperature, and even early
signs of pest presence. This information is then transmitted wirelessly to a central hub or
cloud platform, allowing farmers to monitor their fields remotely and make informed
decisions regarding irrigation, pest control, and nutrient delivery.
Figure 4: TerraSentia AI powered field crop monitoring robot

Fruit Harvesting Gets a High-Tech Upgrade

Robots equipped with advanced grippers, vision systems, and AI algorithms are being
developed to automate fruit harvesting. AI helps robots distinguish ripe fruit from unripe
ones, minimizing fruit damage and maximizing harvest efficiency, particularly beneficial for
delicate fruits prone to bruising during manual harvesting.

Figure 5: Automatic Apple picking Robot

AI Services for Precision Agriculture: Plantix as an Example

Plantix is a mobile application that utilizes AI-powered image recognition to assist farmers in
diagnosing plant diseases and pests. Farmers can simply upload pictures of their crops, and
the app uses its image recognition algorithms to identify potential problems and suggest
suitable remedies. Plantix also provides access to expert advice and educational resources,
empowering farmers to make informed decisions regarding crop protection (Bomgardner,
2019)
 Figure6: Plantix App

The integration of AI services like Plantix into farm management practices empowers
farmers, particularly those with limited access to agricultural expertise, to identify and
address crop issues early on, potentially minimizing yield losses and optimizing resource
allocation.

Emerging Technologies in Precision Agriculture

Beyond the aforementioned applications, several other technologies are on the horizons
that promise to further revolutionize precision agriculture:

Drone-based solutions: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, equipped with high-
resolution cameras and multispectral sensors are being used for aerial field mapping, crop
health monitoring, and targeted pesticide application. Companies like Drone Deploy offer
software platforms specifically designed for agricultural applications, allowing farmers to
analyse drone-captured data and gain valuable insights into crop health and yield potential.

Figure 7: Field surveying drone

Livestock Management with AI: AI-powered systems are being developed to automate
various aspects of livestock management, such as automated milking robots, robotic feed
pushers, AI-powered animal health monitoring systems as well as monitoring Animal
feeding habits, as is shown in the image below. These technologies can improve animal well-
being, increase farm efficiency, and provide valuable data for optimizing herd health and
productivity.

Negative Impact of AI on Industrial Operations

i. Budget Inflictions in Companies that limit their Ability to Successfully Use AI Help: The
adoption of AI can be costly, and companies with limited budgets may struggle to
implement and maintain AI systems. This can limit their ability to reap the benefits of
AI and may even lead to financial losses.
ii. Data Privacy and Security Concerns: AI systems rely on vast amounts of data, which
can raise concerns about data privacy and security. Industries must ensure that they
have robust data protection measures in place to prevent data breaches and cyber-
attacks.
iii. Challenges in Integrating AI with Existing Systems and Infrastructure: Integrating AI
with existing systems and infrastructure can be challenging, requiring significant
investments in time, money, and resources. This can be a barrier to adoption,
particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Growth of Artificial Intelligence in Industrial Technologies

i. Increasing Adoption across Industries: AI technologies are increasingly being adopted

across various industries, including the chemical, e-commerce, food, and drug
discovery sectors. This is driven by the growing need for efficiency, productivity, and
innovation.
ii. Growing Demand for AI Software: The global AI software market is expected to reach
$22.6 billion by 2025, driven by the growing demand for AI solutions across
industries.
iii. Transforming Industries with Innovative Solutions: AI is transforming industries by
providing innovative solutions that enhance productivity, efficiency, and customer
experience. For instance, AI-powered chatbots can provide 24/7 customer support,
while AI-powered analytics can help industries make data-driven decisions.
References

Kumar, A., Kumar, N., & Kumar, R. (2022). Artificial Intelligence in Industries: A Review.
Journal of Intelligent Information Systems, 59(2), 257-274.

Statista. (2023). Global AI software market revenue from 2018 to 2025.

Harvard Business Review. (2023). The Business of Artificial Intelligence.

Forbes. (2023). Artificial Intelligence: What Is AI?

Kumar, A., Kumar, N., & Kumar, R. (2022). Artificial Intelligence in Industries: A Review.
Journal of Intelligent Information Systems, 59(2), 257-274.

Statista. (2023). Global AI software market revenue from 2018 to 2025