Hartpury University will use funding from the River Severn Partnership Advanced Wireless Innovation Region (RSPAWIR) to demonstrate the potential of advanced wireless connectivity (AWC) technologies such as 5G to transform farming practices, increase efficiency, and support sustainability.
Advanced wireless technologies, such as the latest generation of cellular mobile networks, LoRa WAN, satellite, and narrowband internet of things (NB-IoT) can enable rural industries to monitor and manage various aspects of their operations such as soil quality, energy consumption, drone imagery, security and surveillance.
These technologies can help rural businesses to increase their productivity, efficiency, and respond to the challenges of climate change and nature conservation. However, the adoption of these technologies is hindered by several factors, such as the lack of reliable network coverage, the market readiness of devices and, most notably, a knowledge gap among potential users.
Hartpury University will use some of the funding to develop the Rural Connectivity Roadshow. The roadshow will take a mobile demonstration facility to major agricultural shows across the River Severn catchment area, where visitors will be able to experience and test various solutions and improvements to a range of farming and rural business problems and practices.
The Rural Connectivity Roadshow aims to address this challenge by providing an opportunity for rural industries to see, touch and learn about the wireless technologies that are relevant and applicable to their needs. The mobile demonstration facility will replicate farm environments in microcosm and will allow visitors to interact with wireless sensors and management software, supported by different network options.
Simon King, Head of External Business Relations at Hartpury University and College, said: “Receiving this funding from the RSPAWIR is a significant milestone for Hartpury University. It enables us to further our mission of transforming farming practices through cutting-edge 5G and advanced wireless connectivity technologies. This support will not only bolster our Digital Innovation Farm project but also help us foster collaboration and innovation in the agri-tech sector - benefiting farmers and stakeholders regionally and beyond."
Prof Mark Barrow, joint chair of the River Severn partnership, said: “We fully understand the complexities of harnessing digital technology in rural communities and by default t in agriculture. By awarding this funding to Hartpury University’s Digital Innovation Farm project we hope to be able to advance applications and improve adoption of advanced wireless technologies.
“This is an opportunity to share learning and demonstrate exactly how wireless technologies can be used to great business advantage in both the agri-tech and rural economies.”
Open Day – 31 July, 1.30pm – 4.00pm, Hartpury Digital Innovation Farm
Hartpury’s Digital Innovation Farm will host a free-to-attend open day on 31st July from 1.30pm until 4.00pm, to explain how wireless technologies can enhance a range of operations in the agricultural sector. The event is designed for agricultural businesses, wireless connectivity suppliers, and technology experts to discuss the transformational potential of advanced wireless technologies.
The information day links to the opportunities and objectives of the RSPAWIR which is set to revolutionise farming by improving efficiency, supporting sustainability, and setting new standards in modern agriculture by embracing the opportunities afforded by advanced wireless technologies.
Click here to reserve a place at the event.
