Kubota Invests in France-Based AgTech Company, Chouette, a Startup that offers a precision vineyard management solution for the viticulture industry
February 6, 2023
Kubota Corporation (Head Office: Naniwa-ku, Osaka, Japan; President and Representative Director: Yuichi Kitao; hereinafter “Kubota”) announced today that it has taken a stake in Chouette, a startup in France. This AgTech company uses artificial intelligence (AI) technology to analyze images captured by cameras to detect diseases and tree vigour and, based on the data analysis, creates the optimal spray volume of chemicals by unique algorithms.
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Example of a prescription map for disease management
1. Background and Objectives
- As excessive use of agrochemicals can pollute soil, water, and the atmosphere, a target has been set to decrease the use of chemical pesticides by 50% in Europe by 2030, as part of an effort to reduce environmental impact and achieve sustainable food production.
- In recent years, climate change has increased the occurrence of diseases in vineyards in Europe, which seriously impact the quality and yields of grapes.
- Chouette offers a precision vineyard management solution. Chouette has developed unique AI and algorithms to analyse images taken from drones and sensors on tractors to detect diseases and tree vigour maps.
- By applying its unique algorithms to the detected diseases spots tree vigour areas, Chouette is able to create prescription maps that once loaded in the machine, it can optimize the use of inputs. Using the map, growers can effectively prevent the spread of diseases and minimize the use of chemicals, thus reducing both the environmental impact and costs.
- Through investment in promising startup, Kubota continues to develop advanced technologies for viticulture industry, in order to help farmers reduce environmental impact and improve the management of their business.
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Chouette’s camera mounted on top
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Chouette’s camera mounted on the bottom
2. About Chouette
| Name | Chouette（https://www.chouette.vision/） |
|---|---|
| Representative | Charles Nespoulous |
| Head Office | Paris, France |
| Established | 2015 |
| Business | Provision of solutions designed to support vineyard management using image analysis and AI technologies |