Key Takeaways:
- LandScan has been granted a patent (US 12,092,625) for “Precision Site Characterization Using Digital Twin,” marking a first in the agriculture industry.
- The patented technology uses advanced digital twin models to improve precision farming, optimize crop management, and enhance sustainability.
- LandScan’s digital twin technology integrates with existing precision farming tools and offers real-time, high-resolution site analysis and predictive modeling.
- Early adopters, including Olam Food Ingredients and Mars, have already seen practical benefits and return on investment from the technology.
- LandScan aims to expand the application of digital twins to broader aspects of agriculture, including supply chain traceability and crop genetics.
LandScan, a global leader in agricultural technology and precision farming solutions, announced the grant of its latest patent (US 12,092,625) for “Precision Site Characterization Using Digital Twin.” This patent introduces a transformative use of digital twin technology in agriculture, aimed at revolutionizing site characterization and precision farming practices.
Advancing Agriculture with Digital Twins
Digital twin technology allows for the creation of virtual models that accurately replicate physical objects and environments, enabling analysis, simulation, and modeling without disrupting real-world operations. With this patented technology, LandScan is at the forefront of applying digital twins to agriculture, giving farmers, agronomists, and researchers an unprecedented ability to optimize farm management, increase yields, and measure the outcomes of regenerative agricultural practices.
Dan Rooney, CEO of LandScan, highlighted the significance of this patent: “We are thrilled to have secured this patent, which solidifies our position as the pioneer in agricultural digital twin technology. Our technology provides unprecedented insights into agricultural environments, helping farmers make more informed decisions, reduce resource use, and improve sustainability metrics.”
Key Features of the Digital Twin Patent
The newly patented technology leverages a combination of soil and remote sensing, machine learning, AI, and simulation techniques to deliver a comprehensive representation of agricultural sites. The key features include:
- High-Resolution Data Analysis: The system collects data from satellite imagery, drones, and ground sensors, allowing for detailed monitoring of soil conditions, moisture levels, and crop health.
- Predictive Modeling: Farmers can simulate various planting, irrigation, and fertilization strategies to optimize yields and resource use.
- Dynamic Adaptation: The digital twin adapts to changing environmental conditions, offering real-time recommendations for farm management.
- Integration with Precision Farming Tools: The system integrates with GPS-guided equipment and variable rate technology (VRT) for seamless execution of site-specific management practices.
- Sustainability and Resource Management: By optimizing water, fertilizer, and input use, the digital twin supports regenerative agriculture and helps reduce the environmental impact of farming.
Industry Adoption and Benefits
The introduction of digital twin technology in agriculture is transforming traditional methods of site characterization, which often rely on labor-intensive and time-consuming processes like soil sampling and field scouting. Digital twins provide a continuous and holistic assessment of farm conditions, leading to improved decision-making and resource management.
Olam Food Ingredients (OFI), a leading global nut supplier, has been an early adopter of LandScan’s technology. “LandScan’s digital twin technology has had a significant and practical impact on our almond production in the U.S., with immediate and measurable ROI,” said Zac Ellis, OFI Senior Director of Agronomy. “We are excited about its expansion into our Australian operations in 2025.”
Mars has also begun integrating LandScan’s digital twin technology into its operations. “Mars is excited to begin working with LandScan’s digital twin technology to optimize international cocoa production and provide important soil health sustainability metrics for our supply chain,” said Greg Hocking, VP Global R&D New Innovation Territories at Mars Wrigley.
Future Developments
The newly patented technology opens up a wide range of future applications for digital twins in agriculture. Beyond site characterization, LandScan envisions using digital twins for supply chain traceability and exploring the connections between crop genetics, environmental conditions, and management practices.
“We see this patent as just the beginning,” added Rooney. “Our goal is to further develop and integrate digital twin technology across all aspects of farming, creating a fully connected and intelligent agricultural ecosystem.”
